From BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
The Bowling Green State University Department of History has announced the launch of the Threads of Democracy: NEA Big Read project, a year-long celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The community-based initiative begins with a kickoff event tonight, Sept. 29, at the Wood County District Public Library at 7 p.m. Northwest Ohioans of all ages are invited to reflect on and express their connection to American democracy through a series of programs and creative activities.
Inspired by historian Marla R. Miller’s book, “Betsy Ross and the Making of America,” the Threads of Democracy project highlights the role of women and textiles in shaping the nation’s history. The kickoff event will include an America 250 recognition and provide an overview of the Threads of Democracy project. Other events throughout fall and spring include an author talk with Marla Miller, thematic book discussions, and the community quilt project.
The community quilt project encourages participants to interpret what democracy means to them by designing and creating a unique quilt square. The goal is to collect 250 squares, which will be sewn together into several community quilts in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Wood County District Public Library will collect quilt squares from October through March, with quilt assembly in April.
The finished quilts will be displayed throughout the area in the summer of 2027, offering a visual testament to the community’s diverse perspectives on democracy. To preserve this historical effort, the BGSU Center for Archival Collections will professionally archive each square and the completed quilts. The collection will be available online, and the quilts will be stored in a climate-controlled environment after their public display.
For more information about the Threads of Democracy project, including event details and how to participate in the community quilt project, visit the program website at bgsu.edu/threads-of-democracy.
