This quilt was created in 1982 as a collaborative project of the Botetourt County 4-H program, Extension Homemakers, 4-H leaders and community volunteers. Designed to teach sewing and quilting skills to young people, the project also strengthened connections between local 4-H clubs and Extension Homemakers groups while raising funds to support Botetourt County 4-H programs. It serves as a reminder of the creativity, cooperation and community spirit that has long been a hallmark of Botetourt’s agricultural youth programs.
Forty-three individuals created the quilt’s 48 appliquéd and embroidered squares, many depicting scenes, landmarks, farms, livestock and organizations important to Botetourt.
Michael Beahm won the quilt when it was raffled in 1982. He has loaned it to the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture in Fincastle for the current exhibition: “Home Grown – Botetourt’s Agricultural History.”
The green four-leaf clover at the top represents the four foundations of 4-H.
Head: managing, thinking, clearer reasoning and making sound decisions
Heart: relating, caring, developing empathy and building strong personal values
Hands: giving, working, practicing useful skills and serving others
Health: being, living, maintaining personal well-being and practicing healthy lifestyles
