BHS Art Students Bring Putnam County Revolutionary History to Life Through Barn Quilts

The new Revolutionary-themed barn quilts are part of BCSD's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Displayed at Tilly Foster Farm, the quilts gave students an opportunity to research the people and places connected to the American Revolution in their own community and transform their discoveries into works of art.

The quilts featured here represent just a selection of the student-created works on display at Tilly Foster Farm. Each quilt explores a different person, place, story or piece of local lore connected to the Revolutionary era.

Tone’s Pond: “Tone & Etta”

Created by Emma Delaney and Devyn Hoahing, the quilt celebrating Tone’s Pond tells the story of Anthony “Tone” Waring, a local figure whose name lives on through Tonetta Lake, also known as Tone’s Pond.

The students incorporated elements of Waring’s story into their design, including a timeline around the border, a lake in the center representing Tonetta Lake, and fish reflecting both the lake and its history as a fishing location. Thirteen red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies.

Constitution Island and the Great Chain

Lucas Crivelli and Beverly Lopez Ventura created a quilt inspired by Constitution Island and the Great Chain, two enduring reminders of the Revolutionary War in the Hudson Highlands.

Located in the Hudson River near West Point, Constitution Island—originally known as Martelears Rock—became strategically important during the Revolution because control of the Hudson River was critical to transportation, communication and military strategy.

The students’ quilt celebrates the island, the river and the Great Chain while emphasizing the creativity, determination and strategic planning used by American forces to defend the Hudson Highlands.

Beverley Farm and Benedict Arnold

Mark Gil and Ryan Lopez Monrroy created a quilt depicting the history of Beverley Farm in Garrison and its connection to Benedict Arnold.

The students’ quilt represents Arnold’s transformation from American military hero to British ally by dividing the design between the American and British flags. Reading the design from left to right, viewers move from the American side—representing Arnold’s beginnings—to the British side, representing his eventual allegiance.

The barn quilt project gives students the opportunity to become researchers, historians and artists, connecting national history with the places and stories found in their own community. Their designs offer visitors a visual way to explore Putnam County’s Revolutionary past while experiencing the historic landscape of Tilly Foster Farm.

“Tilly Foster Farm is a living connection to more than two centuries of Putnam County’s agricultural heritage,” said Putnam Historian Jennifer Cassidy. “Through its preservation by Putnam County, this historic landscape continues to serve as a working farm and public resource. Brewster High School’s American Revolution-themed barn quilts are a perfect fit for the farm, particularly as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. They are a wonderful nod to this special place, where history, nature, and community come together.”

Tilly Foster Farm is open daily from dawn to dusk, with free public access for residents and visitors to walk the grounds, enjoy the exhibit, visit the animals and experience Putnam County’s history in a beautiful and welcoming setting.

The barn quilts invite visitors to discover the Revolutionary stories woven into Putnam County’s landscape—bringing local history to life through the creativity and perspective of Brewster High School students.