History is layered—woven together by the people, places, and industries that shape our communities. This paper collage, pieced from archival materials spanning Huntingdon County’s industrial past, reflects the evolving landscape of work and identity. From the iron forges and coal mines to the brickyards and railroads, each fragment carries the weight of labor and transformation, marking shifts in economy, culture, and daily life.
While the quilts from this project explore how communities influence us and broaden our understanding of shared history, the paper clothing examines the roles and places that often define how we see ourselves. Just as fabric is stitched into form, our identities are shaped by the spaces we inhabit, the labor we take on, and the histories we carry forward. By repurposing historical documents, photographs, and ephemera, this work invites viewers to consider how the past continues to thread itself into the present—binding us to the industries, landscapes, and stories that have long defined Huntingdon County.
This piece is part of a series of five wearable collages, each exploring the connection between identity and place. The remaining four garments will highlight specific communities within the region, focusing on how geography, culture, and shared experience influence our sense of self. Through layers of history embedded in paper and thread, these works serve as a reflection on the spaces that shape us and the narratives we carry forward.