June 19, 2026 – In celebration of Juneteenth, Historic Sotterley is proud to present “Threads of Freedom: Honoring Edith Younger Edmunds at 100,” a powerful and intergenerational program rooted in the theme of threads—those that bind history, memory, resilience, and community across generations.

• 45-minute presentation from Edith Younger Edmunds
• Community engagement and reflection
• Live music with Casual Groove Band
• Time: 3:30 – 7:00 pm
• Location: Historic Sotterley, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood MD

Registration coming soon!

At the heart of this year’s program is the understanding that freedom is not a single moment, but a continuous weaving of stories, struggles, and triumphs. The “threads” in this gathering represent the hands that labored, the voices that endured, and the traditions that survived—often carried forward in ways both seen and unseen.

Traveling from Halifax County, Virginia, Edith Younger Edmunds—now 100 years old—has been creating Underground Railroad quilts since the age of seven. Her quilts embody both artistry and ancestral knowledge, reflecting a long-held belief that patterns and symbols were used to communicate messages of movement, safety, and hope along the Underground Railroad. Whether as coded maps or as powerful expressions of cultural memory, these quilts stand as enduring symbols of ingenuity, resistance, and the human longing for freedom.

Through Mrs. Edmunds’ life and work, “Threads of Freedom” becomes more than a title—it becomes a living narrative. Each stitch represents a story. Each pattern reflects a journey. Each quilt becomes a bridge between past and present, reminding us that history is not distant—it is carried forward through people, practice, and purpose.

This special program invites the community to gather in reflection and celebration as Mrs. Edmunds shares her story, her craft, and the cultural significance of quilting as both expression and resistance. Her 45-minute presentation will be followed by time for community engagement, allowing participants to connect more deeply with the stories and meanings woven into her work.

The evening will continue in celebration with live music by Casual Groove, whose vibrant blend of R&B, jazz, funk, and soul creates a joyful atmosphere of unity—honoring not only the history of emancipation, but the ongoing expression of freedom through music, culture, and community connection.

Historic Sotterley, a site committed to telling a full and honest history, recognizes that Juneteenth is both a commemoration and a call—to remember, to honor, and to continue the work of truth-telling. By centering descendant voices and living traditions, Sotterley affirms that the threads of freedom are still being woven today.

Mrs. Edmunds’ presence offers a rare and profound opportunity to witness history through the hands of someone who has carried it for a century—an invitation to reflect on what we inherit, what we preserve, and what we pass forward.