https://digital.buffalolib.org/files/original/55a79388d269b54bde442a5bfaa89fb3.jpg 8e9a99ca83b4720b0485eede33af157e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "We the People" Community Quilt Project Description An account of the resource Quilts embody a history of reuse and resourcefulness, of community relationships and care. They also invite collaboration, combining individual perspectives, skills, and stories into a diverse whole. This project was part of activities happening across Erie County throughout 2026 to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With its proximity to the vital resource of the Great Lakes, the region we call Western New York has long been home to vibrant and diverse communities, both before and after the pivotal events of this country’s founding. This quilt project aimed to visually reflect the unique cultural and familial histories of communities in this region throughout its history. Residents of Western New York were invited to make and submit a 9 inch by 9 inch fabric square (sewn or constructed using glue) responding to the question “Who are ‘we the people?’” A quilt of these unique fabric squares was be sewn together in August 2026. If you have questions regarding a specific quilt square in this collection or one that you were responsible for creating, please contact the Grosvenor Room at grosvenorref@buffalolib.org. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Shadowed Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lange, Cassie Description An account of the resource Participants of the We the People Community Quilt project were asked to answer a number of questions regarding their quilt square. 1. What does your square represent? "My square represents the conflict that I feel when I think about our country. Theres so much beauty - in the people, the land, the cultures - but so much of that is overshadowed by the horrors of our past and our present. I wanted the fabrics to match but convey very different feelings - the beautiful and horrible coexist everywhere here." 2. Why did you choose these symbols? The flag is the most obvious symbol of the United States, but for me personally I have not felt proud seeing that flag for many, many years. It is impossible for me to look at the American flag and not be reminded of 250 years of cruelty. But, of course, there's also been 250 years of beauty, and joy, and celebration and of so many people actiively working against that cruelty. The bright part is celebrated by the color and the flowers surrounding the flag. " 3. What do you hope viewers notice or feel? "I hope viewers feel jarred by the shadow interrupting the scene and can sense the conflict inherent in the image." Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2026-07-06 Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Buffalo and & Erie County Public Library (Publisher of Digital)