National Quilt Museum Showcases Quilts From Our Collection

Remembrance takes many forms in the face of tragedy. The 1993 World Trade Center bombing and events of 9/11 inspired individuals around the globe to begin weaving their sense of loss directly into elaborate commemorative quilts. Two decades later, both world class quilting artists and those entirely new to the craft have created a breadth of textile art that reflects the trauma and lasting impact of the terrorist attacks. 
 
Twenty-five of these quilts, from the Museum’s collection, are now on loan to the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY, where the exhibition “Never Forget: Quilts From the 9/11 Memorial & Museum” runs through November 2. Together, they make a powerful statement about heartbreak, remembrance, collective compassion, and resilience. Independently, each is moving in its own way, telling pieces of the overarching story through mixed media — maps, written accounts, photo transfers — and different fabrics. The exhibit features quilts by Bonnie Peterson, Marilyn Pilkey, Ann Silberlicht, Michele Miroff, Izumi Takamori, Martha Kotter, and Tomoko Kayakawa, among others. 
 
“We are so proud of our partnership with the National Quilt Museum and grateful for the chance to share these evocative artifacts with a larger audience,” said Jan Ramirez, Executive Vice President of Collections and Chief Curator. “The quilts’ appeal is transcendent, and as we mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, they essentially serve as ambassadors from New York to the world.”        

Amy Weinstein, Vice President of Collections, personally selected the showcased quilts. They were then prepared for outgoing loan by Maureen Merrigan, Associate Conservator, in a process that took more than 250 hours.
 
“Never Forget: Quilts From the 9/11 Memorial & Museum” is on view at the National Quilt Museum through November 2. 
 
By 9/11 Memorial Staff