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It’s a family tradition!  Three generations have come together in honor of the Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes: Democracy in America exhibit in Wilmore to create a commemorative quilt.  The family is already well known in the area for designing and producing a unique quilt each year for the High Bridge Homecoming Festival. 

Director of Wilmore Community Development Board, Judy Woolums shared, “For at least 13 years, Flo Walker and Mildred Walker Smith have generously donated their quilts to the Raffle raising funds for the pavilion and park.  So, Spring 2020 when we were in the early stages of planning, I offered to commission one but in their generosity, they made and donated to the City.” 

Walker family matriarch Flo stated, “We were honored to be asked to do this project.“  After the exhibit concludes on December 11, it will go on permanent display in Council Chambers according to  Vince Lewellen the Director of Buildings, Cemetery and Events for the City of Wilmore.

What makes this extra special is Emma Smith, nine years old, joined her mother and grandmother in the family tradition and put her own thumbprint on the design and the craftsmanship.    Emma embroidered some of the pictures, prepared the quilt for quilting and did quite a few quilting stitches. 

Her very first ones! Mrs. Walker shared the inspiration for this piece, “We call it the Freedom Quilt. It doesn’t have a particular name because we designed it. The letters are appliquéd on the fabric. Each embroidered pic was chosen to show how strong our country can be when we stand United. We hope this reminds everyone how great our country can be.”

You can see this multi-generational creation on display alongside Voices and Votes: Democracy in America at the Wilmore Municipal Center in Assembly Hall Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm until December 11.  The Municipal Center is located at 210 South Lexington Ave, Wilmore. 

Check Facebook at “Voices and Votes – Wilmore” for a schedule of special events and other details.  This is the last opportunity to visit the exhibit sponsored by Kentucky Humanities before it returns to Washington, D.C.