FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2019
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng and Matthew Leonenko | (516) 869-7794
Town Helps Fund Historic Quilt Project in Great Neck and Manhasset
Quilt will depict the growth of the Spinney Hill community & civil rights movement
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board recently approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with Karen Harry D/B/A KS Creations, LLC to design and produce a quilt as part of the Town of North Hempstead’s recent Civil Rights historical initiatives. The quilt project, which is being headed by a group of local women, will depict the growth of the Spinney Hill community in Great Neck.
“Creating this historic quilt is a moving tribute to the many North Hempstead residents, past and present, who were key participants in the Civil Rights Movement and the development of the community of Spinney Hill” said Supervisor Bosworth. “What a unique way to teach people the history of their community, while also giving us a beautiful piece of artwork to enjoy.”
The project will be funded with $2,000 of a $50,000 grant awarded to the Town by the National Park Service. The grant was originally awarded so the Town could cultivate and preserve its residents’ history with the Civil Rights movement.
The quilt project was conceived and organized by Barbara Masry, researched by Ruth Freeman, Winnie Fant, and Leslie Arluck, and stitched together by Karen Harry. Photos were taken by Mack Bradley. Other contributions were made by Naomi Penner, Barbara Williams, Cheryl Levitan and Christy Orquera.
The squares on the quilt have been hand-painted by a local artist, Raisy Derzie of Great Neck.
Masry stated that their goal is to “celebrate the rich heritage of the Spinney Hill community by raising awareness and pride among the children and adults of this vibrant area.”
The group plans to unveil the completed quilt in December, 2019 at the Great Neck/Manhasset Equal Opportunity Center on High Street in Manhasset. From there, it will be on display at Town Hall in Manhasset, the Manhasset Public Library, the Great Neck Library, before finally returning to the EOC Center to be permanently displayed.
“We are just delighted that we were able to support this project through the grant funding we received form the National Parks Service for preservation of civil rights history in North Hempstead,” added the Supervisor. “It will be an honor and pleasure to have it hang here in the Town.”
