CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — Calvert County is home to tens of thousands of people, so there’s no shortage of artistic talent. The Arts Council of Calvert County has worked on many noteworthy projects, including the beautiful Barn Quilt Trail.
We reached out to Allison Sullivan, the programs specialist of the Arts Council of Calvert County, to learn more about the Barn Quilt Trail’s history. If you have any questions about the Barn Quilt Trail, you can send a message to the Arts Council via their contact form.
What Is the Calvert County Barn Quilt Trail?
The story of the Barn Quilt Trail, as told by Allison Sullivan:
“The Calvert County Barn Quilt Trail is a vibrant celebration of community, heritage, and artistic expression, transforming barns and other structures into canvases that tell stories through bold colors and geometric patterns. The trail is located about 35 miles south of Washington, D.C., in Southern Maryland, and stretches from North Beach to Solomons Island and from Chesapeake Bay to the Patuxent River.
“The driving trail throughout the county currently hosts 27 unique barn quilt squares, with new squares added regularly. A barn quilt is usually an eight-by-eight-foot painted panel featuring a quilt design, typically displayed on the exterior of a barn or other structure. There are thousands of them all over the country, and the Calvert County Trail is the first in Southern Maryland.
“The idea originated in Ohio in the early 2000s when Donna Sue Groves, a resident of Adams County, Ohio, began painting quilt squares on her family’s barn as a tribute to her mother, who was a passionate quilter. This simple project sparked the birth of the Barn Quilt Trail Movement and has since become a cultural phenomenon, with trails across the United States and Canada.
“Each square tells a unique story, either about the artwork or the geographical location of the square. Some designs are inspired by family history or tradition, while others reflect the area’s agricultural roots. Local artists are celebrated for their individualistic quilt square designs.
“Over the past six months, we are thrilled to have received barn quilt square applications from young farmers across the county. Barn quilts are important to farmers because they are a way of preserving the history of a farm and community. Additionally, travelers seeking to follow the trail are drawn toward local shops, restaurants, and businesses, boosting tourism in places that might otherwise be overlooked.
“As more squares are added to the trail, more people get to travel throughout the county. Our mission is to connect the trail from the southern tip of the county to the northern end of the county.
“This will create a cohesive trail where travelers can admire Calvert County’s beauty and have a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history embedded in these rural areas. The most recent barn quilt applications have come from the central county area, and we want to keep moving south. We already possess a plethora of squares in the northern end of the county in places like Huntingtown, North Beach, and Chesapeake Beach.
“Our goal is to connect our local community and outside visitors by promoting Calvert County’s agricultural heritage, rich history, and artistic talent through the Barn Quilt Trail. In early November, the Arts Council was able to host a Barn Quilt Trail Bus Tour, where participants explored 14 of the quilt squares on the trail.
“Sue Mills, the program lead, was able to educate those who attended about the history of the trail and each individual square design. Joanie Kilmon, a board member of the Arts Council, stood alongside Sue as a co-presenter. This was a wonderful opportunity to spark curiosity and gain traction for the trail. We are hoping to provide more tours in the future.
“There are a few additional squares that will be added to the trail soon. Three squares will be at Dahlia & Vine Flower Farm, located in Prince Frederick, while two squares will be attached to a tobacco barn at Rolling Acres Farm in Port Republic, owned by Matthew and Kara Tettimer. The farm and property have been with the family since the 1930s. They were originally used for livestock and tobacco but are now used for produce and agritourism. There is a horse barn on Hance Road, also located in Port Republic, where a quilt square will be placed that is visible from the road. This square will be in honor of the farm owner’s horse, Libby, who sadly passed.
“Another square will be attached to a barn on the property of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter in Prince Frederick. This square’s design will feature a pig, as the sponsor of the square knew how much Linda loved pigs. We look forward to these great additions to the Barn Quilt Trail and are excited to see more applications roll through in the future.
“The beauty of having various square locations throughout the county is that it will spread the trail in areas that have been thin in the past. This ever-growing program has become special to art lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking to explore the beauty of Calvert County in a new and exciting way.”
The Future of the Barn Quilt Trail
The future of the Calvert County Barn Quilt Trail is bright. As Allison Sullivan explained, more squares are set to be added soon at locations like Rolling Acres Farm. As the trail continues to grow, the Southern Maryland community grows with it. Since every square has a different backstory, there are endless possibilities to add to the Barn Quilt Trail, so it will continue to inspire others in Calvert County for years to come.
You can view the Barn Quilt Trail on Google Maps, offering a way to explore the artistic talent from your own home.
About the Arts Council of Calvert County
The Arts Council of Calvert County is a beacon of artistic spirit in Southern Maryland. Their mission is to create spaces for all talent to thrive and offer accessibility to the arts for creative minds. The council often hosts events, such as art shows at the CalvART Gallery.
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