Quilt raffle celebrates Lowcountry history

A richly detailed quilt honoring 250 years of American and Lowcountry history is being raffled by the Heritage Library, offering participants a chance to own a one-of-a-kind work of quilted art piece while supporting local education and preservation programs.

Titled “A Stitch in Time,” the quilt was created by members of the Art Quilters of the Lowcountry; Ron Hodge, Peg Weschke, Ro Morrissey and Jody Wigton, whose work combines fine art techniques with the texture and warmth of traditional quilting. The group, known for exhibiting throughout the Lowcountry, donated their time and talents to bring the region’s history to life in fabric.

The quilt traces centuries of local heritage, from Native American roots and the Revolutionary War through Gullah culture and modern landmarks. Each panel represents a distinct aspect of Lowcountry history, stitched together against a backdrop of sky, sea and marsh. The border includes palmettos, crescents and 13 stars representing the original colonies, along with imagery honoring African American contributions to the region’s story.

Members of the Art Quilters of the Lowcountry collaborated on the design and assembly of “A Stitch in Time,” contributing their individual skills and artistic styles to create a unified tribute to Lowcountry history.

Quilters Ron Hodge, Peg Weschke, Ro Morrissey and Jody Wigton are known regionally for their fine art quilts, which combine traditional craftsmanship with original design. Each artist brings a distinct approach, ranging from textile collage and fabric painting to intricate piecing and surface embellishment. Their techniques were united to depict key moments, landmarks and cultural symbols from across 250 years of local heritage. The completed sections were assembled and quilted by the group to create a cohesive design that weaves their individual styles into a single narrative of the Lowcountry’s past and present.

The quilt is part of the library’s “Educate & Celebrate” campaign, a series of programs and events tied to the national Semiquincentennial celebration marking 250 years since the American Revolution. The campaign focuses on the region’s diverse historical narratives and encourages community participation in commemorating the milestone.

Proceeds will benefit the Heritage Library’s educational programs, local history projects and genealogical research initiatives. The raffle is open to all, with no residency restrictions. Tickets are $10 each, or three for $25, and can be purchased through the library’s website at heritagelib.org.

“A Stitch in Time” Quilt Key:

Background:

Represents the Lowcountry’s natural landscape of sky, sea and marsh.

Border:
Highlights the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with palmettos and crescents inspired by the South Carolina flag, 13 stars for the original colonies, and motifs honoring the Native American and African American communities whose histories are central to the region.

Top row (left to right):
Church of the Cross – The historic Bluffton church was built in 1857.

Golf (Heritage Tournament) – Recognizes the RBC Heritage.
Biking – Reflects the island’s trail system and outdoor recreation.
Historic Gullah neighborhoods – Honors the self-sustained communities established by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.
Summer fireworks – Celebrates local gatherings and island traditions.
Lowcountry arts and culture – Represents the region’s creative community.

Second row:
Water sports – Illustrates activities central to coastal life.
Oystering – Pays tribute to the area’s oyster industry and shellfish heritage.
Eliza Pinckney – Recognizes the 18th-century agricultural innovator who developed indigo as a major SC crop.
Mitchelville – Honors the first self-governed town for freed African Americans.
Robert Smalls – Features the Civil War hero and later U.S. congressman from Beaufort, celebrated for his bravery in commandeering a Confederate ship to freedom.

Third row:
Great blue heron – Symbolizing the region’s abundant wildlife.
Farming and sea island cotton – A nod to the agricultural economy.
Battle of Sullivan’s Island (1776) – Marks South Carolina’s Revolutionary War victory that helped secure independence.
Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery – Reflects early island settlement.
Shrimping – The commercial and cultural importance of shrimping.

Fourth row:
Beach – Captures Hilton Head’s shoreline and its role in the area’s identity and tourism.
Native Americans – Acknowledges the island’s first inhabitants and their lasting legacy.
Emily Geiger – Commemorates the Revolutionary War courier who delivered a vital message to Gen. Nathanael Greene.
Francis Marion “The Swamp Fox” – Honors the South Carolina militia leader known for his guerrilla tactics during the Revolution.
Liberty Oak – Features the iconic oak at Harbour Town.
Gullah culture – Celebrates the language, art and traditions preserved by descendants of enslaved Africans.

Bottom row:
Lowcountry boil – Depicts the region’s signature dish.
Charles Fraser – Recognizes the developer and visionary who shaped Hilton Head communities.
Sea life – Highlights dolphins, turtles and marine conservation efforts.
First bridge to Hilton Head Island – Marks the 1956 construction of the bridge that connected the island to the mainland.