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1776 House, 14” x 14”, wool on linen, #6. Designed by Therese Shick, hooked by Robin Nissenfeld, New Hope, PA, 2024.
Photography and Text by Lucy Walsh
There was no better time to hook a 1776-inspired rug than for our country’s 250th commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—our semiquincentennial, a term meaning “half of five hundred.”
Merit Badge, 18” x 14”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Sharon Ballard, Stanton, NJ, 2025.
Bunker Hill Flag, 17” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Sharon Ballard, Stanton, NJ, 2025.
In anticipation of this 2026 milestone, the Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild (NJ) began planning its participation in 2025. For an entire year, members were busy hooking rugs representing the colonial period. Subjects included patriotism, independence, daily life, regimental flags, slogans, motivations, and historic people, places, and events, all created from adaptations, original designs, or commercial patterns.
Our guidelines also required a brief written description of each piece, tying it to the Revolutionary period and striving for historical accuracy. All rugs were to be completed by December 2025.
British Blue Ensign, 17” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Sharon Ballard, Stanton, NJ, 2025.
Independence, 25” x 16”, wool on linen, #8. Designed by Therese Shick, hooked by Judy Bilicki, Glen Gardner, NJ, 2025.
Old Glory, 12” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Photo adaptation hooked by Cindy Boults, Annandale, NJ, 2024.
The “historically correct” portion proved challenging, as only written descriptions, artists’ illustrations, oral histories, and diary accounts guided us in shaping our interpretations through individual artistry and vision.
The small flag interpretations presented another challenge. There were hundreds of flags, standards, or colors used by both sides during the Revolution. Many were handmade and unique in design. Some were unofficial or hastily constructed and were frequently replaced or reconfigured during the course of the war. As a result, numerous flags existed with a wide variety of sentiments, colors, and purposes. Most original versions did not survive.
Drunkin’ Apple Tavern, 40” x 28, wool on linen #8. Adaptation of a Joan Moshimer design, hooked by Cindy Boults, Annandale, NJ, 2015.
Deconstructed Flag, 46” x 29”, wool on linen, #8. Designed by Cyndy Duade, hooked by Cindy Boults, Annandale, NJ, 2003.
Floating Stars & Stripes, 31” x 16”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Cindy Boults, Annandale, NJ, 2003.
Every effort was made to capture accurate representations in the adaptations shown here.
In addition to the many rugs created, there were meaningful benefits to a guild project of this scale. Researching historical details refreshed lessons long studied, and members shared their works in progress throughout the year. We also learned that the rugs would be on public display throughout 2026 in more than a dozen venues—large and small—including historic homes, cultural centers, libraries, reenactments, community events, and a museum in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There could be no better setting than regions rich in Revolutionary history.
Washington in Allentown, NJ , 15” x 11”, wool on linen, #6. Designed by Kim Perry and hooked by Judy Bohonyi, Cream Ridge, NJ, 2025.
Serapis Flag, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Denise Chantelan, Boyertown, PA, 2025.
Sons of Liberty Flag, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Charlene Chapman, Newtown, PA, 2025.
At our December 2025 guild meeting, Revolutionary reenactor Sharon Goodman shared the story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who joined the Continental Army disguised as a man under the name of her deceased brother, Robert Shurtliff. She served undetected for nearly two years with the Massachusetts 4th Regiment Light Infantry until she was wounded and later received an honorable discharge and military pension for her service.
Our initial exhibits—bridging history and art—were very well received by an appreciative public and will continue to be shown in the coming months as the project circulates throughout the region. Visitor feedback reflected a stronger connection to the colonial period, appreciation for opportunities to share this history with younger generations, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by Patriots and their families in the cause of independence.
Sharon Goodman, Reenactor
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Crossroads of the American Revolution
- Hunterdon County was centrally located between the British stronghold of New York City and the American capital at the time, Philadelphia.
- The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence outside Philadelphia was held in Trenton, New Jersey (then part of Hunterdon County), on July 8, 1776.
- George Washington spent approximately one-quarter of his time as commanding general leading troops in New Jersey.
- The “Ten Crucial Days,” encompassing the Delaware River crossing and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, proved to be the turning point of the Revolution.
- Hunterdon County saw roughly six hundred military engagements—more battles, skirmishes, and fighting than any other county in New Jersey—including actions associated with Princeton, Monmouth, and Trenton.
- Militia regiments and Patriots seeking liberty met at Bonnell’s Tavern, which still stands at the crossroads of two municipalities in Hunterdon County. It was here that the first minutemen in New Jersey were organized and drilled.
Grand Union Flag, 18” x 14”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Charlene Chapman, Newtown, PA, 2025.
Two If By Sea, 24” x 27”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted by Katie Kriner of Bee and Bear, hooked by Charlene Chapman, Newtown, PA, 2025.
George Rogers Clark Flag, 17” x 11”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Joyce Combs, Lambertville, NJ, 2025.
Bennington Flag, 18” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Wendy Curtis, Bushkill, PA, 2025.
Mercer Flag, 18” x 12”, wool on linen, #8.5. Adapted and hooked by Linda Ehly, Beverly, NJ, 2025.
Green Mountain Boys Flag, 18” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Cyndy Eromenok, Clifton, NJ, 2025.
Rebellious Stripes, 13” x 19”, wool on linen, #6. Designed and hooked by Cheryl Halliday, Warminster, PA, 2025.
Liberty Flag, 36” x 13”, wool on linen, #7. Designed by Christina Koehl, hooked by Linda Hannemann, Annandale, NJ, 2025.
Daughters of Liberty-Homespun, 25” x 14”, wool on linen, #6. Designed and hooked by Aggie Harris, Doylestown, PA, 2025.
Wedded Bliss, 19” x 11”, wool on linen, #8. Designed by Patsy Becker, hooked by Carol Kindt, Flemington, NJ, 2017.
Archer Basket Tavern Sign, 13”x 18”, wool on linen, #7. Designed and hooked by Julianne Kinney, Allentown, NJ, 2025.
Hulbert Flag, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Katie Kriner, 2025.
2nd New Jersey Regiment, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Katie Kriner, Barto, PA, 2025.
We The People, 21” x 11”, wool on linen, #6. Designed and hooked by Debbie Kolodziej, Wyalusing, PA, 2025.
Two If By Sea, 17” x 22”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Karen Larsen, High Bridge, NJ, 2025.
Join, or Die, 25” x 20”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Karen Larsen, High Bridge, NJ, 2025.
American Floral, 21” x 24”, wool on linen, #6. Designed by Michelle Palmer, hooked by Dianna Liberto, Flemington, NJ, 2025.
Hornet’s Nest Flag, 20” x 16”, wool on linen, #6. Adapted and hooked by Jolene Lichtenwalner, Lebanon, NJ, 2025.
Moltrie Flag-Liberty, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #6. Adapted and hooked by Jolene Lichtenwalner, Lebanon, NJ, 2025.
Paul Revere’s Ride, 28” x 25”, wool on linen, #6. Adapted crewelwork and hooked by Barbara Dalrymple Lugg, Frenchtown, NJ, 1999.
Valley Forge, 16” x 12”, wool on linen, #6. R.C. Stein engraving adaptation, hooked by Barbara Dalrymple Lugg, Frenchtown, NJ, 2025.
Old Glory, 16” x 12”, wool on linen, #7. Designed by Wooley Horse, hooked by Laura McElroy, Holland, PA, 2025.
The Woolery, 26” x 14”, wool on linen, #6. Designed by Yvonne Buss, hooked by Lynne Monteleone, Pipersville, PA, 2025.
Battle of Easton Flag, 18” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Joan Mruk, Upper Black Eddy, PA, 2025.
Battle of Iron Works Hill, 23” x 16”, wool on linen, #6. Designed and hooked by Susan Murray, Riverton, NJ, 2025.
Hornet’s Nest of Rebellion, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Roberta Olah, Cape May, NJ, 2025.
Prayer Before Battle, 22” x 32”, wool on linen, #6. Adapted art of Tim Davis, hooked by Mary Passerello, Flemington, NJ, 2025.
Colonial Flag, 14” x 54”, wool on linen, #8. Designed by Tattered Old Flag, hooked by Mary Passerello, Flemington, NJ, 2023.
Brandywine Flag, 18” x 12”, wool on linen, #7. Adapted and hooked by Jane Repko, Washington Crossing, PA, 2025.
Give Me Liberty, 22” x 26”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Therese Shick, New Hope, PA, 2022.
July 4, 1776, 31” x 6.5”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Therese Shick, New Hope, PA, 2025.
Franklin Publick House, 25” x 35”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Therese Shick, New Hope, PA, 2025.
Independence, 24” x 16”, wool on linen, #6. Designed by Therese Shick, hooked by Jeanne Surdi, Milford, N J, 2025.
Boston Tea Party,19” x 14”, wool on linen, #6. Adapted and hooked by Jeanne Surdi, Milford, NJ, 2025.
Liberty, 16” x 11”, wool on linen, #6. Designed by Jyl Robbins, hooked by Carol Sventy, Elizabethton, TN, 2025.
Liberty Tree, 14” x 18”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
George Washington Silhouette, 10” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Martha Washington Silhouette, 10” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Monmouth Flag, 20” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Witness Tree, 20” x 24”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Sons of Liberty Flag, 19” x 12”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Issue the Orders, Sir, 18” x 31”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
These Are the Times, 33” x 17”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
French Regimental Flag, 19” x 16”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Washington’s Standard, 22” x 32”, wool on linen, #8. Designed and hooked by Lucy Walsh, Clinton, NJ, 2025.
Washington’s Cruiser Flag-An Appeal to Heaven, 18” x 13”, wool on linen, #8. Adapted and hooked by HCRAG MEMBERS, Hunterdon County, 2025.