General Information

On November 1, 1977 several quilting friends formed Schoolhouse Quilters. Their first official meeting was January 16, 1978 with Jane Patterson as president and Betty Fagan as Secretary/Treasurer. The meeting location was at the schoolhouse on Breakneck Hollow Farm in Flintstone, Maryland. There were 27 charter members. The Guild is a non-profit organization that became affiliated with the National Quilting Association in January, 1978. The Guild is also a member of the Allegany Arts Council. In January 1979 they started meeting at the LaVale Library. Meeting places have varied since that time.

Schoolhouse Quilters' Guild Presidents  
• 1978-79 Jane Patterson
• 1979-80 Jean Beard
• 1980-81 Janet Williams
• 1982-83 Darlene Kirk
• 1984-85 Emma Brugh
• 1986-87 Judy Niner
• 1988-89 Ginny Moran
• 1990 Dot Radcliff
• 1991 Agnes Edmiston
• 1992 Grace Stark
• 1993-94 Janet Williams
• 1995-96 Nelgean Nave
• 1997-98 Eleaner Johnson
• 1999-00 Carolyn Groves
• 2001-02 Suzanne Cawley
• 2003-04 Lois Jackson
• 2005-06 Marjorie Coffey
• 2007-08 Martha Strickland

The Guild meets monthly to exchange ideas and experiences in quilt making, quilt collecting, and related topics. The guild strives to preserve the heritage of quilting, to further the interest and awareness of quilts and their artistic value, to serve as a source of information and inspiration, and to perpetuate excellence in workmanship. The guild has sponsored the largest quilt show in the tri-state area for 23 years, numerous educational and community service programs, and workshops featuring some of the best professional quilters in the business. Currently there are 55 members who reside in Allegany and Garrett Counties in Maryland, and in nearby West Virginia and Pennsylvania communities.

We welcome new members. Come to a meeting even if you don't quilt and find out about our guild.