Oklahoma Quilt Memorial

18,000 quilts were burned in the Tulsa Race Massacre (Hirsch 2002), resulting in a loss of history and connection to family and community as well as the practical warmth quilts provide. Quilts hold memories—the fabrics used are often scraps of other projects or clothes just past their life cycle, fabric that has lived with people and taken on their essence. The burning of quilts is more consequential than just a loss of potential warmth, it also severs ties to people and the past.