The Library of Congress AIDS Memorial Quilt Collection
The AIDS Quilt aims to end HIV and AIDS by going behind the statistics, highlighting the rich, unique stories of the lives taken from us. By sharing the stories of lives taken by HIV and AIDS, the Quilt puts names and faces to the heartbreak experienced throughout the ongoing crisis. The Library of Congress record collection adds to these stories by delving deeper into the lives of those remembered through the Quilt.
What is the Library of Congress AIDS Memorial Quilt Collection?
The Library of Congress collection provides a window into the deeply personal stories behind the 55-ton AIDS Memorial Quilt and its 50,000+ panels. The digitized collection documents the lives of those represented in the Quilt, totaling more than 125,000 items, including, letters, diaries, photographs, newspaper clippings, and other mementos.
Past and current stewards of the Quilt have worked tirelessly to preserve the documents and mementos shared by those honoring the loved ones taken by HIV and AIDS. The Library of Congress collection digitizes those memories, ensuring their lives will never be forgotten. Our tea1n continues to provide the Library of Congress with materials shared, expanding this collection as the Quilt co11tinues to grow.
How to Use the Library of Congress AIDS Memorial Quilt Collection
1.
Our Search the Quilt Feature allows anyone to access the names and panels within the AIDS Quilt. There are over 100,000 names stitched into the Quilt today. Each bloc!, nu1nber is made up of eight individual Quilt panels. After finding a name or a panel take note of the block number the panel belongs to:
Screenshot of the Interactive AIDS Memorial Quilt
Example Block Display
A zoomed in image of Block 0030
A Panel of Block 0030
2.
After identifying a Quilt Block, go to the Library of Congress website, and in the search box enter 'Block#' to search the archived records for the mementos associated with that block.
Screenshot of the Library of Congress -AIDS Memorial Quilt Records website
"He really made you feel alive because he had such a lust for life,"
"You have heard so much these days this cannot go on much longer. Just everyday someone just fades away and then is heard no more."
Rod's story is remembered not only through the beautiful Quilt panel his loved ones crafted but also the words and images they added to honor him.
Here are two mementos honoring Rod Meth, whose panel is in the top left of Quilt Block 0030.
Get Involved with the Quilt
Thank you to the Library of Congress for digitizing these essential mementos! Learn more about the Quilt and bring the Quilt to your community through our Community Display Program.