The mission of the Southern Middle Tennessee RC&D Quilt Trail is to promote and celebrate the unique agricultural, historical and cultural experience of our nine counties.

The quilt trail is a visual combination of century farms, historic sites and places of interest, all of which are a vital part of our economic well-being. The quilt blocks represent the love, comfort and warmth of centuries, along with the beauty and artistic expression of their makers.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

1. AGRI-TOURISM: The Quilt Trail provides us with opportunities to expose the various aspects of agricultural production and related businesses. Our goal is to provide resources to enable visitors to have enjoyable experiences and educational opportunities regarding the rich agricultural history of Tennessee, while providing business for our local entrepreneurs.

2. ART: This project allows for the promotion of the artistic abilities and uniqueness of each family quilt block. It also provides a way to preserve their place in history. By allowing local students to paint the blocks, this gives them the opportunity to understand not only the geometrics of each pattern, but also the cultural heritage and history of quilts in Tennessee.

3. HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE: The Quilt Trail allows us to illuminate the unique architecture of barns and structures that have withstood the test of time. They also represent various diverse ethnic groups through building styles, materials and functions. This allows visitors the perfect opportunity to learn about the diverse aspects of agricultural production, the ways of life in the past and the progression of changes over the years.

4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Our goal is to develop support incentives. This will include promotions, marketing, and grant writing for local farmers and businesses that will benefit from the Trail. The Quilt Blocks themselves will promote business to the local sites. The Quilt Trail will aid in the development of leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural and artistic areas in our local communities.

5. CULTURAL IDENTITY: It is necessary to conserve the rich heritage of the Native Americans and Pioneers who established and flourished in Middle Tennessee. Through their knowledge and skills, they cultivated and cared for the land that produced sustainable crops for many generations.

What Benefits Will I Receive?
As an Official Quilt Block location you will receive participation in print and online media.
-a listing on www.tnquilttrails.com
-address, phone and link to your website (we ask for reciprocal link on your site)
-identification as a part of other partner trails
-photo gallery of location, inventory, events, ect as space allows
-inclusion on printed visitors guides
-identification plaque
-inclusion on www.tnvacation.com
Inclusion membership is $75 for blocks not purchased through SMT RC&D. Media participation can be renewed annually
at $25.
The Southern MiddleTennessee Quilt Trail provides an attraction—tourable trails that direct traffic to local crafters, agri-tourism venues, farmer’s markets, historic sites and other local venues. Colorful painted wooden quilt squares serve as
markers for the traveler as they drive the Trail.

Quilt Trail Materials List & Installation Instructions
2’ x 2’ blocks allow bracing and thickness of panel to be adjusted in proportion to size. For questions contact your county representative.
For Frame:
Material
(9) 2”x 4”x 8’ Treated Pine
(4) 12”x12”x ¾ “ Treated Plywood Squares
1lb. 2 ½” Deck Screws Coarse
1lb. 3 ½”  Deck Screws Coarse

For Panel:
Material
(2)  4’x 8’ x ½” Plywood Pine (high quality-no visible knots)
(1) Gallon Exterior Primer/Sealer
Exterior Paint (colors/sheen as determined by design)
Paintbrushes/Rollers & Trays

For Mounting:
Materials
Clear Silicone
Caulk Gun
Drill Bit Drivers
3/8” x 3.5” Lag Bolts w/Flat Washers
1lb. 3 ½”  Deck Screws Coarse
1lb. 2 ½ ” Deck Screws Coarse

Installation:
Blue prints are attached for your reference. The 8’ x 8’ panels should be mounted horizontally if possible. The primary concerns in construction and installation are that the square is made of quality materials, constructed in a quality manner, secured to installation site, is weather resistant and is level to the eye. Please see your county representative for specific questions.

1. Squares must be either 8’ x 8’ or 4’ x 4’ or 2’ x 2’ . All blocks, sizes and locations shall be approved by committee.
2. Blocks must be attached to a stable structure that is pre-approved by the designated County Representative or Committee Chairperson.
3. Pattern must be a design pre-approved by the designated County Representative or Committee Chairperson.
4. Property must be well-maintained, free from obstruction and debris.
5. While coloration may vary, blocks should be painted with consideration to the original pattern and should only be altered for visibility.
Patterns may not be altered once they have been approved.
6. Blocks must be constructed, painted and installed by stated guidelines.
7. Frames and blocks must be constructed out of approved materials list.
8. Commercial advertising for any business other than that of the site owner will not be approved.
9. Blocks may be signed by the artist on the back only.
10. Political signs may not be placed near a block.
11. The Southern Middle Tennessee Quilt Trail reserves the right to remove the official designation as a quilt block location if any block does
not comply with these guidelines. Site owner will be notified in writing and have 30 days to comply with any situation the Committee
feels is an issue.