Calvert Barn Quilt Trail

A barn quilt is a replica of one square from a quilt, painted on plywood, usually eight-by-eight feet, and mounted on a barn or building for visitors to see. There are thousands of them all over the country, and the Calvert County Trail is the first in Southern Maryland and the third in the State, after Garrett and Carroll Counties.

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The American quilt trail movement began with a woman named Donna Sue Groves in Adams County, Ohio in 2001. She wanted to honor her mother and her quilting art by painting a replica of a quilt square on their tobacco barn. Thanks to Donna Sue, there are over thirteen thousand quilt squares all across the United States.

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The Calvert Barn Quilt Trail is supported by volunteers, the generous donations of private individuals, and the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium.

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Each square tells two stories: one is the story of the square’s artwork, and another is the story of where the square hangs. Squares feature beloved traditional quilt patterns that have meaning for the sponsor of the square, or an original design by a local artist. Squares are placed on barns belonging to a multigenerational farming families, local small businesses, museums, or private homes. Each one is beautiful and tells a special story.

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The trail stretches from North Beach to Solomon’s Island and from the Chesapeake Bay to the Patuxent River. Come and enjoy Calvert County’s Barn Quilt Trail, learn about Maryland’s history, find creative art and gifts, relax by the water, and bring home some great local produce. Discover local restaurants, attractions, and more at www.visitcalvert.com.