Circa 1918
Made in Madison Township, Clinton County, Indiana
Acquisition made possible by Robert & Ardis James Fund, 2012.032.0002

Throughout America’s history, women mobilized at home to support war efforts. In addition to raising money for relief, rallying spirits, and comforting the wounded, many women have shown their support with quilts. The Quilt House exhibition Covering the War: American Quilts in Times of Conflict highlights examples of quilts made from the Mexican-American War in the 1840s through Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Madison Township Memorial of the World War is one of the quilts on display as part of this exhibition.

Made circa 1918 in Clinton County, Indiana, Alice J. Hedderich created a roll call to honor the people from her community who served in World War I. She appliquéd blue stars for those who served and gold for those who fought and died. The three red crosses probably represent Red Cross nurses who cared for wounded soldiers in the European battle zones.

For more information about this and other quilts made during American times of war and conflict, view the online exhibition for “Covering the War.