National AIDS Memorial launches complete digital archive of AIDS Memorial Quilt

The entire NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt has been made available online by the National AIDS Memorial. This digital launch coincided with the 23rd International AIDS Conference, held virtually from July 6 to 10. The interactive platform features a searchable map where users can explore individual panels by name, number, or keyword, while also viewing the entire 1.2 million square foot memorial. An accompanying storytelling initiative shares narratives from those who experienced the early crisis. Conceived in 1985 by activist Cleve Jones, the Quilt originated from placards bearing names of the deceased, taped to the San Francisco Federal Building during a candlelight march. Its first public display was in 1987 at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. After years of national tours, its last full exhibition in 1996 covered the National Mall, drawing an estimated 1.2 million visitors. The Quilt now contains over 48,000 panels memorializing more than 100,000 individuals lost to AIDS since 1980. The National AIDS Memorial assumed stewardship of the physical artifact in 2012.