The AIDS Memorial Quilt was conceived in 1985 by human rights activist Cleve Jones as a way of memorializing those who had died of AIDS, helping others understand the devastating impact of the disease, and documenting the many lives he feared history would forget. The first panel was created by Jones in memory of his friend Marvin Feldman.

Today, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is an epic 54-ton tapestry that includes nearly 50,000 panels dedicated to more than 110,000 individuals. It is the premiere symbol of the AIDS pandemic, a living memorial to a generation lost to AIDS, and an important HIV prevention education tool. With hundreds of thousands of people contributing their talents to making the memorial panels, the Quilt is considered the largest community arts project in history.

Through a 20-year partnership with AIDS Quilt Touch, the Quilt can be seen in its entirety and the panels made in honor of loved ones seen online as part of the Interactive AIDS Quilt so millions of people around the world can experience its powerful stories.