signature events buttontapestry 300
Make History

 

An innovative public-engagement venture – the most inclusive, participatory historical public art project in Maryland history

the 300 Tapestry Project, an official event of Annapolis Alive! is being introduced in conjunction with the year-long celebration of the 300th anniversary of  self-governance. With the granting of the Annapolis Royal Charter in 1708, independence and truly participatory democracy came to the City of Annapolis. The Charter grant also was the vanguard of a novel idea: Democracy should flourish in the colonies.

Creating A Community Legacy

  • Interactive and hands-on
  • Creates a collection of magnificent artworks as a unique way to share the rich and colorful history of Maryland’s Capital City
  • Everyone – young and old – is invited to join this historic and creative journey…to help create a visual storyboard that will become a commemorative  community project
  • Tapestries will depict significant events – social, cultural, historical, economic, political – that helped shape the City of Annapolis over its 300-year history

The Tapestries

a tapestryThe 300th anniversary is the inspiration for the tapestry design theme. Each of the three large (3’x 6.5’) and the15 smaller ones (18” x 24”) will depict events of historical, social, cultural, political and economic significance – whether people or events – that helped define those 300 years.  The images that represent these events are the result of a workgroup of noted local historians – including Matt Grubbs; Janice Hayes-Williams; Vince Leggett; Jane McWilliams; Orlando Ridout, V; Jeanne Russo; and Greg Stiverson; – who debated and discussed the list of events over a four-month period in the fall of 2006. Once the events were determined, workgroup members then toiled over selecting appropriate images to portray those events…and images that also would work on a needlework canvas. Maritime historians John Wing and Fred Hecklinger worked to ensure that the ships were accurately portrayed for each time period.

Each of the large tapestries will portray changes focused in the vicinity of City Dock from 1708, the year the Charter was granted, through 2007. Smaller tapestries will be based on a theme and feature images that would show better on a smaller canvas.

Each tapestry, both large and small, will have a “Tapestry Keeper,” the person responsible for overseeing stitching on that particular tapestry. 

reviewing images for tapestries
Janice Hayes-Willliams of the Historians' Workgroup (left) and Hollis Minor review the final images selected for the tapestries. See more images.

Everyone is invited to help create the tapestries – young and old, no experience needed.

Groups and organizations that have already committed to completing a tapestry:

There will be opportunities for every segment of the population to participate. Community access to the tapestries will be available at places such as public libraries, senior centers and the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau. The locations, times and dates will be publicized.

The entire process of creating this community legacy will be documented in writing and through photographs and videography. Each person who stitches will sign a log book with his or her name, date and age. Photographs of the process will create a storyboard and video that will help tell the story. The documentation will become part of the permanent Tapestry display.

Volunteers also are needed to help with the management of this historic community effort:

The majority of the tapestries are expected to be completed by late 2008. To volunteer to help stitch or help with coordination and administration, contact: Remy Agee, Project Chair at 300tapestry@comcast.net or 443 852-5252 or Hollis Minor, Technical Advisor (for stitching) at hollism@theminorgroup.com or 410 573-5854.

Contributors and Sponsors

Become a member of Queen Anne's Court! Help support this historic community venture and receive a special proclamation suitable for framing for each $10 gift to the project. Higher levels of sponsorship are available:

Exciting additional benefits accrue with each level of sponsorship including public acknowledgement of the gift. 300 Tapestry is a 501(c)(3) organization. See the contribution and sponsorship information packet.

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