Our Story

 In 1983, in order to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the State of Maryland by settlers brought here by the sailing ships, the Ark and the Dove, the owners of the quilt shop in Ocean City, named The Ark and The Dove, decided to make a quilt commemorating the event. 

They chose the two ships for the theme and the design of the quilt and contacted quilt groups from all over the country asking for squares to be made from the patterns provided. After the squares began to arrive, the quilt shop owners founded Quilters By The Sea, for the local group of quilters. 

The first meetings were held in the Ocean Plaza Mall in Ocean City where the shop was located. There were lectures, demonstrations and workshops. The next year, guild meetings were moved to Northside Park in Ocean City and met regularly each month.

In September 1985, the guild voted on a Constitution and By-Laws and was presented by Light Henderson and the first elected officers. Dues were decided upon. A contest was held to design the logo and our present logo was adopted. 

When the town of Ocean City decided to close the hall to all but local residents, the move was made to Ocean Pines Community Center for meetings. By 1986, the group had grown to 22 members and it continues to grow. 

At present there are over 90 members from Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Berlin, Salisbury and Delaware. The guild maintains a majority of members from Ocean Pines in order to satisfy requirements by Ocean Pines Community Center for generous and continuous use of their Assateague Room, free from charge.