Moment #06: July 10, 1988 – NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Displayed at Navy Pier

Spearheaded by San Francisco-based AIDS activist Cleve Jones, the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt was developed as a way to memorialize individuals who had lost their lives due to AIDS-related complications. Often, these individuals were not laid to rest with dignity; the NAMES Project served to celebrate their lives and memorialize their struggles with AIDS. For three days in July 1988, the memorial quilt temporarily resided at Navy Pier and included a square crafted by Chicago House volunteers. Chicago House’s quilt contribution included stars stitched in loving memory of residents who had succumbed to the virus. Read more about the memorial quilt’s display at Navy Pier.