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Memory Quilt
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Memory Quilt
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Memory Quilt

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.09022011-11-1
Object Type Quilt, Art
Maker
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date February 2011
Medium textile (cotton)
DimensionsOverall - 2D L 78 3/4 in x W 56 in (142.2 cm x 200 cm )
Physical DescriptionMemory quilt containing images and quotes pertaining to the historic nature of Obama's Presidency. Quilt is composed of numerous patches atop a navy blue backing with red, white, and blue, stars and stripes trim. At the top of the quilt is a patch printed with "President Barack Obama." The leftmost row of patches starts at the top with an image of the Obama family, then a picture of Rosa Parks, a quote that reads "Rosa Sat Down so Martin Could Walk," an image of Martin Luther King Jr., and at the bottom a newpaper clipping regarding the Inaugural ball. The center row of patches starts at the top with a portrait of Obama surrounded by eagles, stars, and flags, followed by the Presidential Seal, a photograph of Obama taking the oath of office, a quote that reads "So Now Our Children Can Fly", and at the bottom the quote "In God We Trust God Bless Our President." The rightmost row starts at the top with a patch containing the quote "Martin Walked so Obama Could Run," followed by a patch with images of both Obama and MLK Jr. with the text "a legacy of hope," text reading "Obama ran," an image of President Obama next to the Presidential Seal, a photograph of Reverand Joseph Lowery giving the benediction at the inauguration and a quote from the speech, the final patch is a newspaper clipping featuring a letter from the President to his daughters. A handwritten message is on the reverse.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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