International Women’s Day marks an opportunity to take a stand for equality and emancipation

When The Names Project Foundation came to discuss a Folklife Festival program about the AIDS Memorial Quilt, I asked if the program would include panels to commemorate Smithsonian colleagues and their family members who had died of AIDS.

This story was filmed at the Center during a 2012 “Call My Name” quilting workshop conducted by The NAMES Project Foundation.

In March 2012, a team from The NAMES Project Foundation came to The Women’s Collective in Washington, D.C., to conduct a “Call My Name” quilting workshop.

Gert McMullin, one of the original volunteers with The AIDS Memorial Quilt, reflects on her experiences during the early stages of the AIDS pandemic

The AIDS Memorial Quilt was impacted by a storm at the Festival, but incurred only minor damage—a testament to the resilience of the quilt, the program team, and the visitors who pitched in to help.

Mike Smith, co-founder of The NAMES Project Foundation, discusses the inspirational power of The AIDS Memorial Quilt

“Yo-Yo Queen” Marquetta Bell-Johnson recounts the power of quilting to transform tragedy into celebration

Gert McMullin and Jada Harris of The NAMES Project Foundation share stories of serendipity that surround The AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Gert McMullin is a living legend in AIDS Memorial Quilt lore for likely having touched nearly every single panel in it.