A traitor and a quilt, born in Connecticut
On this day in 1741 Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich Connecticut. Arnold fought for the Americans early in the Revolutionary War, becoming a general and playing key roles in crucial victories. He was not satisfied with the recognition he received however, and became one of the most famous traitors in American history when he attempted to give away U.S. posts in return for money, was caught and escaped to British territories.

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This Tree of Life wholecloth quilt was hand quilted by Mary Sill in Old Lyme, Connecticut around 1840. The fabric, made from a bed curtain, dates as early as the 1790’s though. The quilt was eventually brought to Hawaii by descendants of the quiltmaker, and they donated the quilt to the DAR by the Aloha chapter.

View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view.

Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/benedict-arnold

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Amy Milne headshot

Posted by Amy E. Milne
Executive Director, Quilt Alliance
amy.milne@quiltalliance.org

See You in June for Month Three!

Thank you so much to everyone who has participated in the Quilt Alliance’s Birthday Block of the Month so far! We’ve made two very different but complementary blocks together and we can’t wait to make more. Join us next month as we make a block designed by Pat Sloan — we’ll send instructions out on the 15th.

Be sure to tag @quiltalliance and @zakfoster.quilts on Instagram with your block photos this month, and use the hashtag #QuiltAllianceBOM (or email us a photo of your block at blockparty@quiltalliance.org). And leave any questions about this month’s block in the comments below!

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