Welcome to America's Tapestry!

On July 4th 2026, our nation marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. All over the United States, communities held events to illustrate and celebrate our unique history, and to look forward to the next 250 years.

One such event was organized by 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 created 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 was carried out 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 collaborated on the panels' imagery and generously hosted the stitchers as they worked.

“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.”

Nearly 2,000 volunteers joined America's Tapestry to embroider the panels, with local directors guiding the effort in each of the participating states. Following its inaugural display at William & Mary's Muscarelle Museum of Art – a stone's throw away from Colonial Williamsburg – America's Tapestry is now touring historic venues throughout the East Coast on a two year traveling exhibition, running through 2028.

Please explore our website to learn more about the many talented artists and volunteers who made this project possible – and visit our exhibitions page to see where the Tapestry is on display.

America's Tapestry made its public debut at the Muscarelle Museum of Art on June 19th, 2026, opening the exhibition tour that will carry the panels to historic venues through 2028.