Freedom Quilts
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The Susquehanna County Historical Society hosted the "Freedom Quilts" exhibit from October 18 through November 30, 2002. The "Freedom Quilts" project surfaced after the September 11th tragedy. "Out of the disbelief and pain, I felt I needed to do something", said Maria Rocio O'Brien, of Montrose, the project originator. "I wanted to capture a message that would make a statement for the future. I want our children to know peace without fear." 
 Rocio has quilting friends around the world and asked them if they would like to provide 10" quilted blocks with a message of freedom, peace and harmony. Rocio's friend, Marty Kishiro from Intec, Japan, posted a message on his website. A month later he received blocks from Japanese quilters, and in October of 2001 the blocks were sent to Rocio. The blocks contained messages of love, sorrow, and most of all, support. Rocio, Stephanie Stopka, Catherine Probasco, Eileen Sickler, Annette Kennedy, Sheila Weidner, Ada Hess, and Marie McAvoy completed eight quilts in a few months' time. 
 Rocio feels the quilts symbolize a hope for a better tomorrow and are a reminder of how we triumphed over life's adversities. "As I view these beautiful quilts and I read their inspiring messages it comforts me. It tells me that good does triumph over evil." |