Did you know that one of the coolest historic projects in Pennsylvania is being worked on in Pittsburgh?

“America’s Tapestry” is part art project, part historical document. Volunteers in each of the 13 original colonies are creating 35” x 45” tapestries to share lesser known, and often overlooked, stories of people, places, and events that shaped the colonies, the American Revolution, and the United States of America. 

A photo of the tapestry in progress.Image via Mo Macel

A photo of a woman helping a child stitch the tapestry.Image via Mo Macel

 

Pennsylvania’s tapestry panel for the “America’s Tapestry” project is currently being embroidered at the historic Glenshaw Public Library (1504 Butler Plank Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116) on Sundays from 12pm – 5pm and on Thursdays from 5pm – 9pm from now through Thursday, April 30th. 

Over 3,000 hours have already been invested into bringing the tapestry to life, with many more needed for the panel to be completed.  

Any member of the public is welcome to visit the tapestry at the library and stitch a few stitches. This is a unique opportunity to make your mark on American history—albeit a very, very small one.  

A photo of the sky on the tapestry, with text, "After over 51,000 stitches, the sky is done!"Image via @americastapestry.pa, Instagram

A photo of two woman working on the tapestry together.Image via @americastapestry.pa, Instagram

Anyone of any age is welcome to participate—from the very young to very old and every age in between. No prior needlework experience is necessary; the tapestry team will quickly teach and guide you. Best of all, you don’t need to commit to hours or days of effort, you can simply walk in and within minutes add a few stitches and leave a lasting mark in history.  

After the inaugural display at William & Mary’s Muscarelle Museum of Art, America’s Tapestry will tour a number of other historic venues throughout the East Coast for a two year traveling exhibition. The closest the completed America’s Tapestry panels will come to Pittsburgh will be at Seton Hill University in Greensburg.  

A photo of a woman standing outside the historic Glenshaw Public Library holding a sticker that says, "I stitched the America's Tapestry - Pennsylvania panel."Image via Mo Macel

This once-in-a-generation fiber art tapestry project will last for generations to come. Take a few minutes to visit it while it is in progress and stitch yourself into a piece of history. 

Learn more about the America’s Tapestry project at www.americastapestry.com. Follow them on Instagram at @250tapestry and @americastapestry.pa. 

Children pointing to spots on a plan for the tapestry design.Image via Mo Macel

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.

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Mo Macel

Mo is a pun-loving Pittsburgher who likes to take photos and write. When not focusing on her kiddos, you’ll find her pursuing happiness and working on living the American Dream via one craft beer at a time. She blogs at givegodyouryes.com and fullhipster.com.