Welcome to America's Tapestry!

On July 4th 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. All over the United States, communities will be holding events to illustrate and mark our unique history, and to look forward to the next 250 years.

Organizing one such event is 28 year-old costume designer and fiber artist Stefan Romero. Stefan is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's College of Fine Arts, where he specialized in the dress and textiles of Colonial America. As a Fulbright Scholar, Stefan deepened his understanding of the discipline through his Masters Degree at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

In collaboration with William & Mary (VA), Seton Hill University (PA), and a number of carefully selected historical and craft organizations, Stefan is creating a once-in-a-generation fiber arts project.

America's Tapestry features 13 hand embroidered panels, one for each of the original colonies. The embroidery is currently being conducted by volunteers from ages of 5 to 96 from New Hampshire to Georgia. The panels illustrate stories of individual contributions – many overlooked – that reveal each colony's struggle for independence. Historical associations from across the states have volunteered to collaborate on the panels' imagery and have generously agreed to host the stitchers as they work.

“The idea came to me while on a work assignment in Europe after visiting ‘The Great Tapestry of Scotland’”, says Stefan. “I was deeply moved by the richness and drama of Scotland's story as it unfolded from panel to panel. As the product of many talented individuals working across the country to create a harmonious whole, it seemed to characterize one of the defining features of the American experiment.”

Over 1,000 volunteers have joined America's Tapestry to embroider the panels, with local directors guiding the effort in each of the participating states. After their inaugural display at William & Mary's Muscarelle Museum of Art – a stone's throw away from Colonial Williamsburg, America's Tapestry will tour a number of other historic venues throughout the East Coast for a two year traveling exhibition.

If you may be interested in volunteering to complete this historic effort, do not hesitate to reach out. All volunteers are welcome, regardless of age or experience with needle art.

Please explore our website to learn more about the many talented artists and volunteers who are making this project possible.