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The concept for Baltimore on the Prairie began as a result of a post on the Yahoo Group, Baltimore Album Quilts, following one of Elly Sienkiewicz's Applique Academies.  The post was yearning for a similar type of conference somewhere in the middle to western part of the US and at a different time of year when weather issues wouldn't be as much of a concern.  Three people: Nancy Kerns, Kathy Delaney and Tresa Jones put their heads together to begin planning.  Nancy and Kathy would be the first of 5 teachers the inaugural year with Tresa as administrator.  September 2009 the first Baltimore on the Prairie was held at Mahoney State Park in Nebraska.  Ten years later, BOTP is still a hand applique conference held each September now at Lied Lodge and Convention Center at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE teaching the style and techniques of the Baltimore Album quilts of the late 1840's and early 1850's.  However, while that style is the inspiration behind Baltimore on the Prairie, it is only the beginning.  Each teacher brings their own creativity, teaching style and personal techniques to the conference.  Lied Lodge provides a tranquil atmosphere as classes are taught in a relaxed, stress-free manner.