The Archive
African American Quilt Archive
Browse and search our documented collection of African American quilts — each entry includes provenance, pattern history, maker information, and regional context. Keyword Search allows you to do a general search across multiple fields for any catalog records online. Here are some Keyword Search examples: Catalog No. (2021.8), State (Texas, TX), City (Yakima), Quilt Owner or Maker (Shaw, Rose Shaw), Quilt Title (When the Griot Sings), Pattern Name (Strip, Monkey Wrench), Collection (Owner’s Last Name, Collection Name), Year Created (1940, c. 1940), and Quilt Guilds or other group affiliations (AAQGO, African American Quilt Guild of Oakland). To find records with two keywords, type in AND/OR between the two words. (CA AND FL, Jones OR Pope). You can also use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard (e.g. a search for histor* would come up with records containing history, histories, historical, etc.). Searches are not case sensitive.
Full Archive
Search the Complete Archive
Our full catalog — including detailed provenance records, high-resolution images, and accession data — is hosted in PastPerfect Online. Search thousands of documented quilts, textiles, and related artifacts.
2,400+
Quilts Documented
38
States Represented
150+
Years of History
About the Database
A Living Record of African American Quilting
The AAQDSG quilt database is one of the most comprehensive digital archives of African American quilting traditions in existence. Each entry is the result of careful documentation — field research, oral history interviews, and collaboration with families, museums, and private collectors.
Records are maintained in PastPerfect Online, a museum-grade collections management system used by institutions nationwide. All images are watermarked and all entries include copyright and provenance information.
What You'll Find
Provenance Records
Documented chain of ownership, family histories, and acquisition notes for each quilt.
High-Resolution Images
Detailed photography of full quilts, pattern close-ups, backing, and construction details.
Pattern & Technique Analysis
Scholarly notes on piecing methods, fabric identification, and regional style characteristics.
Oral History Links
Audio and transcript excerpts from interviews with makers, family members, and community historians.
Contribute
Have a Quilt to Document?
If you own or have access to an African American quilt that should be part of the historical record, we want to hear from you. Our documentation team works with families, collectors, churches, and institutions across the country.
Contact Us to Submit