This is Part 1 in perhaps the best thing I ever did in teaching. Really. Some of my old bloggers will remember this gripping story. There are 1o parts, and the story is absolutely wonderful. Hang on for a great ride.
Milly the Quilter
Every good story has a great backstory. To know how Milly came into my life and tell you about her early years in my classroom, I have to back up and tell you what really happened. It’s a great story, and began what would become a legacy. Hang onto your hat!
“It happened like this…”
My husband and I were at a fall wedding in Philadelphia. We had an hour to spare, and went to the historic district to visit Carpenters Hall. After the tour, we had ten or fifteen minutes until all the museums closed. Directly across the street was the National Liberty Museum, so we headed over. Walking into the museum I was thunderstruck by a magnificent Peace Portal. I stood underneath, soaking in all the beauty. The museum was closing, and I hadn’t moved from under the Peace Portal.
“I can do this!” I told my husband. “I need to do this in my classroom. We can build this on top of the loft. It will be a place for children to go, to just be. Children need Peace.”
And so it came to pass. I contacted the National Liberty Museum to get permission to recreate their Peace Portal. They were thrilled. Little did I know that Peace would become an enormous part of the lives of children. They loved being on the loft- sitting, thinking, reading and playing under the Peace Portal we had made. Children felt the same way that I felt under the “real” Peace Portal.
I decided to talk to children and ask them how Peace makes them feel. Colin said, “Peace makes me feel hearty.” I said, “So Peace makes you feel strong. That’s terrific, Colin.” He looked at me in frustration, patted his heart, and said, “No Jennie, Heart-y.”
Their thoughts were so remarkable that we made a Peace Poetry Book in the spring. It is card catalogued at the public library. Our school year of Peace, from making a Peace Portal to writing a book of poetry was a very good year.
Little did I know, this was only the beginning. The stage had been set for Milly, and I had no idea that the museum would play a big role.
The following fall my husband and I went to the Bennington Museum in Vermont to see their Grandma Moses collection. We walked into the front entrance to see a display of Haitian Quilts. These were murals, as detailed and stunning as a painting. I was frozen. This must have been what the first people felt when they saw the ocean or the Grand Canyon.
“I know that look” said my husband. “Do you really think you can make one of these at school?”
“No, but we can design one. Peace was a wonderful part of school last year, and the children wanted more. This is IT. We can make a Peace Quilt!”
We looked at each other and said in unison, “We need a quilter.”
Meeting Milly was not what I expected, and certainly meeting me was not what Milly expected at all…
Stay tuned for Part 2.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Having an hour to spare and then making good use of that hour led to the peace portal and inspired so much! I look forward to the next parts for this story and discovering more about Milly.
Yes, it did! Thank you, Yvette.
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Love the Milly stories, and the quilts and the Peace loft! 👏👏😘
Thanks, FR. Just wait for more!!
I remember Milly’s story well, and look forward to reading it all again.
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m so glad, Pete. It’s been nearly 10 years.
Time goes so fast, it feels like about two years to me.
Me, too!
Looking forward to the next parts of the story.
Thank you, Karma!
i love this origin story, it’s almost magical how it all happened –
It really is, a ‘meant to be’ saga that spans many years. You will love the series, Beth!
Oh, I remember this Jennie story!!
I’m so glad! It’s been nearly ten years, and I thought it was time to tell the story again. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
Looking forward to Parts 2-10
I’m so glad, Jacqui!
I love this story and I’m glad you are running it again. xo
Thank you, Darlene! It was one of my favorite happenings in teaching, and it’s been a long time since the story. 😀
Hi Jennie, this is a wonderful post!
Thank you, Charles!
Thank you for bringing this to us again, Jennie! A first time for me…grateful! 😊💝😊
You will love all that happens, Vicki! Many thanks!
Looking forward to all that’s coming! 💝😊💝
You will love it! Thank you, Vicki.
I remember the story. So nice to read it again, though
I remember your comments years ago, John. I hope you enjoy this again!
I think it is a great story. It is comforting to revisit. 😊
Thanks, John. You were the one who recommended I repost the series. I’m so glad!
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You’re so right – it’s time for a re-read of Milly the Quilter. It seems like yesterday when I first read this. ❤️
It feels like yesterday for me, too. Enjoy the re-read!
Peace! Ahhhhh. Love the start of this Jennie.
Oh, yes, and hang onto your hat. Part 2 tomorrow. Thank you, Brian.
I remember what a special lady she was in your classroom, Jennie. I will enjoy hearing the Miillie story again.
She really was, Pete. I think you will enjoy the read. Part 2 tomorrow.
What a wonderful idea you had, Jennie! Peace is what we’re all searching for, young or old.
Amen! Part 2 tomorrow!
Great beginning! I’m looking forward to part 2.
Thanks, Cathy! I think you will really enjoy this. I’ll post Mondays and Thursdays.
Thank you, Cathy. Part 2 tomorrow.
I love how this begins with a moment that just stays with you. That Peace Portal idea is powerful. Can’t wait for Part 2.
Thank you. Part 2 tomorrow.
This is blossoming into a great story Jennie. can’t wait for part 2
Thank you, Willow. Part 2 tomorrow.
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I remember the stories you shared about Milly, Jennie. Such wonderful memories.
Thank you, Dan. They really are wonderful memories. 🥰
Hi, Jennie! I have to apologize again, for such a long delay in revisiting your blog. The distance to Massachusetts is often too big. Lol However, i love the Milly Quilter story. These are great memories and i am sure also for generations of your students. You only need to have the right ideas at the right time, and having the will to do the best for the students. In short “The Jennie methods”. 🙂 Best wishes, Michael
No worries, Michael! I’m so glad you liked the story. It was wonderful for the children. Lots more ahead!
Thanks, Jennie! I am catching up yet. 😉 xx Michael
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I remember this series, Jennie. A wonderful series of events that led to the creation of the peace quilts.
I’m glad you remember! The Peace Quilt was the first one. Thanks, Robbie.
Yes, I remember there are a few quilts 💓
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You are an incredible teacher, Jennie. Wow.
That’s so nice. Thank you!
I remember your Milly stories and loved them. I don’t remember the Peace Portal part of this story though. I love the idea.
Thanks so much, Carla!
I remember Milly’s story. Love the Peace Portal. 🧡
I’m so glad you remember Milly’s story! The Peace Portal is magnificent! I’m glad I posted this series again. It’s been a long time.
Definitely repeat-worthy! x
Thanks!!
Ah, Jennie—this makes me feel…HEART-Y! And bit ….TEAR-Y! I’m in for this beautiful series that I’ve gone back to before! PEACE PORTAL! Peace quilt!
The world needs MORE Ms. Jennie!
We love you! Finn and me ❣️🥰
Hooray, and I feel the same way! Thanks for your very kind words, Karla! 🥰
It’s my pleasure, sweet Jennie! 🥰
We are kindred spirits! 😍
YEESS! 🩷🥰💞
I saw these coming in as a series and was so caught up in something else at the moment that I decided to wait and start from #1 and keep going. I forgot how this started or maybe I started following just after it all started. I remember Milly and am sorry she is no longer quilting on earth. Bet she’s making heavenly quilts now. 🙂 Children have such a special way with words.