Belle Grove Opens March 21 for 2026 Season with First Public Viewing of Memorial Quilts Honoring 270 Individuals Enslaved There

Belle Grove Plantation will open for its 2026 season on Saturday, March 21, 12-4 p.m. with free admission. Opening day will feature the first public viewing of two memorial quilts honoring the lives of 270 individuals who were enslaved at Belle Grove. The quilts were created through a four-year community collaboration.

The idea grew from Unearthing Enslaved Lives, an exhibit launched in 2022 about the archaeological investigation of the enslaved quarter site. “We wanted to the exhibit to include a memorial to the men, women, and children enslaved at Belle Grove,” said Executive Director Kristen Laise. “Members of our advisory committee suggested a quilt and that idea resonated. Quilts embody comfort and often represent family heirlooms and history.”

The project was officially launched on August 4, 2022, during a special meeting of the Winchester Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (WEGA). Chapter members provided stitching kits and training, inviting anyone in the community to participate. During 2022 and 2023, 113 local volunteers and the WEGA members hand-stitched the names and birth years of the 270 individuals onto fabric squares. Each square represents a person, such as Truelove, Abba, Frank, Judah, Anthony, Daniel, and many more who lived, worked, loved, and whose story is part of Belle Grove’s history.

African American textile artist Carole Gary Staples was commissioned to design and piece the quilts. She arranged the name squares into family trees and framed them with vibrant African batik fabrics symbolizing cultural heritage and resilience. Because of the number of names and the intricate design, Staples created two quilts to fully honor all 270 individuals. She will travel from Ohio to participate in the opening day on March 21.

Local quilt expert Pam Pampe assembled the quilts and prepared them for the final stage—hand quilting. Throughout 2025 and 2026, community quilting sessions brought together participants of all ages and backgrounds. These gatherings were generously hosted by the Godfrey Miller Center, Newcomers Club of Winchester, Josephine School Community Museum and Clarke County Community Center, and Bowman Library, part of the Handley Regional Library System. The quilts also travelled to Juneteenth celebrations in Winchester and Berryville. Approximately 250 community members participated in the hand quilting.

Pam and Robert Pampe constructed custom frames to ensure the quilts will be displayed with care and dignity at Belle Grove. The quilts make a visual impact when entering the lower level of the Manor House. They are installed on either side of the entrance to the historic kitchen and next to the Unearthing Enslaved Lives exhibit.

This meaningful project was made possible through the generous support of donors: the John H. Adamson III Memorial Fund, Crescent Cities Charities, and Margaretta Barton Colt.

The celebration on March 21 not only marks the completion of the quilts, but it also uplifts the spirit of remembrance and community that brought them to life.

In 2026, Belle Grove Plantation’s 1797 Manor House and grounds will be open March 22-October 31, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. (closed major holidays). From November 1 to December 3, Belle Grove will be open Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. December 4-30, Belle Grove’s annual Christmas tours will take place Mondays through Thursdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m. There are also special events, exhibits, classes, and activities offered throughout the year, visit www.bellegrove.org/calendar for more information.