The history of the American Barn Quilt can be traced back almost 300 years, to the arrival of immigrants from the central regions of Europe; Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. 

It is widely believed that barn painting/quilting originated in Pennsylvania with these immigrants and then spread to much of the New England and Midwestern states. 

Barn quilt designs were originally chosen from a family’s own colorful quilt pattern that was passed down through the years. As time went by, the family’s quilt pattern was turned into a public piece of art on their barns or other outbuildings. 

In 2001, a revival of barn quilts began with a woman named Donna Sue Groves from Adams County, Ohio. She wished to honor her mother by hanging a painted quilt block on her barn. Thanks to Donna Sue Groves and the Ohio Arts Council, barn quilts are now a must-see across the country. Today you can find the colorful Barn Quilts hung on the exterior or interior of any building, including barns, houses, garages, outbuildings, and fences.