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Sanford unveils Goldsboro commemorative quilt as mayor issues formal apology and proclamation
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Summary
Sanford leaders and descendants of Goldsboro unveiled a commemorative quilt on Feb. 9, 2026; Mayor Art Woodruff read a proclamation apologizing for actions in 1911 that dissolved Goldsboro’s charter and proclaimed Feb. 9, 2026, Historic Town of Goldsboro Day.
Sanford officials, residents and descendants of Goldsboro gathered Feb. 9, 2026, to unveil the Goldsboro Commemorative Quilt and to acknowledge the town’s history. Mayor Art Woodruff read a proclamation that recounted Goldsboro’s 1891 incorporation, the 1911 actions that dissolved the town’s charter and annexed the community into Sanford, and the city’s later efforts to restore historic street names. The proclamation "do[es] hereby formally apologize to the early citizens of Goldsboro and their descendants," Woodruff read.
The quilt project was led by the Race, Equity, Equality, Inclusion (REEI) Advisory Committee with support from the Historic Preservation Board, the Public Art Commission and partner organizations including the Sanford Museum, Seminole County Museum and Seminole County Public Schools. REEI committee member Barbara Coleman Foster opened the program and Dr. Kim Waters recognized the Westside Quilters and named artists Dolores Brown, Ella Woodard and Charlotte Carter for their work in creating the commemorative piece.
Beatrice Clark Haines, a descendant of William Clark (often called "Papa Clark," the transcript identifies him as Goldsboro’s founder), addressed the crowd about family history and the importance of remembering Goldsboro’s legacy, saying the moment arrived "for such a time as this, a time when black is being erased from our history." Charlotte Carter, one of the quiltmakers, described the project’s purpose as a "thread that will bind and heal our community" and thanked organizers and participants.
Mayor Woodruff’s proclamation summarizes several historical milestones cited at the event: Goldsboro’s incorporation on 12/01/1891; the City of Sanford’s drafting of a new charter and a 04/11/1911 resolution calling for the state legislature to revoke Goldsboro’s charter; the state legislature’s action on 04/26/1911 that dissolved the town and annexed the land into Sanford; and a 2012 action that restored two historic street names to honor Goldsboro’s founders. The proclamation formally declared 02/09/2026 as Historic Town of Goldsboro Day and called on citizens to join in honoring Goldsboro’s legacy.
City and community leaders framed the quilt and the proclamation as steps in a larger effort toward recognition and reconciliation. Commissioner Carrie Wiggins (District 2) spoke about growing up in Goldsboro and thanked the quilters and volunteers who worked "on the grind" to complete the project. Organizers also recognized partners and volunteers, presented lapel pins and invited attendees to view the quilt at City Hall and to remain for food and fellowship.
The program included musical performances and student dancers from Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School. Event organizers encouraged attendees to view the quilt in City Hall following the evening’s presentations.
