Currently at the Memorial & Museum
Preserving History...
Museum Artifacts Tell a Story
After the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, quilts were sent to Oklahoma City from all over the world as symbols of comfort, compassion and support. Since the Memorial is the designated repository for everything related to the bombing, these quilts are among the artifacts and documents transferred to the Archives for preservation and safekeeping.
Quilting is a uniquely American art form, originating in colonial times. Quilts provide warmth but also serve as a means of self-expression through which hopes, memories, and beliefs are communicated. In addition to being a utilitarian art form, quilts are used by historians and other researchers as primary records of historical events and as evidence of the impact of social and political issues on Americans throughout history.
This 42” x 46” symbolic quilt was made by Robin F. Hart from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in April 1996, and sent to the Mayor’s Office on the first anniversary of the bombing.
According to an accompanying note, the significance of this quilt is as follows: “The American Flag symbolizes those of us you may never know but who share your pain. Although their lives were lost, America is brought together. The cross, which is made up of carnations, daisies, rose and tulips, represents the lost lives in recognition of the sacrifice and suffering they endured. The meaning of the flowers in the cross: the carnations for my poor heart, the white daisies for innocence, roses for purity and love, and the tulips are a declaration of love. The daisies falling from the cross represent all the innocent children. The quilted tear drops represent my tears and those of many other Americans.”
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