This project is led by the Wayne County 4-H Ambassadors, which is a team of eight 4-H members aged 14 – 17 years whose goal is to conduct community service projects that will help beautify Wayne County. The creation of this team is a direct result of the 2013 WV 4-H Civic Engagement Forum. The team is under the direction of the WVU Wayne County 4-H Extension Agent and has the support of several 4-
H volunteers. The creation of a Wayne County 4-H Heritage Quilt Trail addresses both local art and history. Building quilts honor the traditional Appalachian art form of quilting. In fact, they may be created to recognize and celebrate the unique cultural elements found within a community as well as extend art to a larger audience by showcasing both traditional and non-traditional quilt patterns. Furthermore, building quilts highlight other elements of traditional Appalachian culture, accentuating both Appalachian features and history. They also serve to preserves barns and other unique buildings that have historical significance to the county. In fact, the barn or building, its location, and the owner’s history all influence the quilt design. Often the pattern featured on a barn comes from a family heirloom quilt. Other times, quilt blocks are specifically designed to highlight local culture. The team would like to thank the following entities for their support of this project. The WV Humanities Council, the Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Wayne County Housing Authority, and the Wayne County Commission.
