2024 Valor Quilt Presentation and Quilt Drawing

Join us on November 6, 2024, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. as we celebrate the 2024 quilt drawing. We are hosting members and the public for a docent-led museum tour from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by a Valor Quilt presentation by the Gazebo Valor Quiltors of Huntley, a recognition of our very own Heritage Quilters. The event will be capped off by drawing the winning ticket for the 2024 Prairie Baskets quilt at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the drawing.

For 40 years, the Heritage Quilters group has dedicated their Wednesday mornings to mentoring each other, sharing skills and stories of their craft, and keeping traditions alive. Their dedication is evident in the masterpieces they lovingly produce each year, which we raffle to support the work of the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum. This quilt is a testament to the past, present, and future of the Heritage Quilters, and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts!

The 2024 quilt, Prairie Baskets, is not just a beautiful piece of art, but a representation of a staple item for pioneer women. Their prairie baskets were filled multiple times throughout the day with eggs, fruit, vegetables, flowers, grain, feathers, and whatever else needed to be carried in the eternal repetition of a housewife's duties. This quilt block pattern is a significant part of quilting history, with the earliest known pieced basket quilt dating back to 1855. Every aspect of this quilt is a loving tribute to our past, hand-cut and hand-stitched with care.

Tickets for the quilt drawing event will be sold up until the time of the drawing. You can purchase tickets in advance HERE. Each ticket costs $5, or you can get a bundle of 6 tickets for $ 20.

We seek additional veterans to receive a handcrafted valor quilt crafted by the Gazebo Valor Quilters of Huntley. If you or someone you know would like to be presented with one of these beautiful quilts, please print and complete the application.

Who is eligible for a quilt?

The program is open to any service member or living veteran who served in one of the following branches: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This includes members of the activated National Guard and activated or active duty-special work (ADSW) reservists. The Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard are components of the Army and Air Force, respectively. Merchant Marines activated from 1941 to 1945 are also included. Additionally, anyone who serves at the Dover Mortuary Facility is eligible. We want to ensure that all who have served our nation are considered for this program.

•Served during declared war, conflicts, police actions, peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism operations, and/or times of peace.

•Service during, but not necessarily limited to, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Beirut, Granada, Bosnia, the Cold War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, Afghanistan, anti-terrorist operations, and terrorism attacks against Armed Forces personnel is included.

•Only veterans with an Honorable or General Discharge status are eligible.

It's important to note that GVQH does not award its quilts posthumously. These quilts are not just beautiful pieces of art but are designed to comfort and heal the living, to bring color and lively patterns to the lives of those who have served our nation. We understand the sacrifices you've made, and we want to show our appreciation tangibly. Download the Valor Quilt Application HERE.

Contact janet@mchenrycountyhistory.org with any questions.