Montgomery Parks unveiled a new handmade quilt honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Josiah Henson on Saturday, August 8, at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda.
Tisha Thorne of Sew Creative Lounge in Lanham presented the quilt during a gathering of more than 50 of Henson’s descendants, who traveled from across the United States and Canada for their annual family reunion.
Quilters from Sew Creative Lounge partnered with quilters from across the country to create the 7,000-square quilt, which depicts a pixelated image of Henson. The portrait is made up of monochrome fabric squares, with each square representing a shared stitch in a larger story of resilience, freedom and legacy.
“Josiah Henson dedicated his life to lifting others up and helping people create better futures for themselves,” said Mia Lewis, a descendant of Henson. “This quilt is more than a work of art. It tells the story of a man whose courage, compassion and leadership changed lives. I hope visitors will be inspired by his example and share his story with others.”
Mark Thorne, site manager of the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, said having Henson’s descendants present added significance to the unveiling.
“This quilt transforms Reverend Henson’s remarkable story into something visitors can experience in a new and meaningful way,” Thorne said. “Having Henson’s descendants here for the unveiling made this moment especially powerful. Their presence reminded us that his legacy is not only part of history, but a living story that continues to inspire people today. We are honored to display this tribute and share it with the public.”
Henson was once enslaved on the former Isaac Riley plantation, now the site of the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, before escaping to freedom in Canada. He later became an Underground Railroad conductor, helping more than 100 others escape slavery. Henson also became a prominent abolitionist and author and was an inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
The new quilt is now on display at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, where visitors can learn more about Henson’s life and legacy.
