Names in Thread: Signature Quilts and Genealogy

In the uniquely inspiring webinar “Names in Thread: Signature Quilts and Genealogy,” social historian and genealogist Gena Philibert-Ortega reveals a fascinating intersection between textiles and ancestry. Often overlooked, signature quilts—fabric works inscribed with names, dates, places, and messages—serve as historical documents, preserving community connections and personal stories in needle and thread. Whether passed down, tucked away in museums, or discovered in archives, these quilts are powerful tools for genealogical discovery and social context.

• Signature Quilts Are Community Records in Disguise: More than decorative textiles, signature quilts document familial and social networks, often listing dozens of names, dates, and even organizations. Fundraising quilts, friendship quilts, and commemorative pieces created between the 1840s and 1940s can reveal local history, migration patterns, and associations otherwise lost in time.
• You Can Research and Document Quilts Just Like a Family Tree: Ortega provides practical methods for researching quilts as genealogical projects—such as transcribing names into grids, analyzing patterns, and building digital trees using Ancestry. She also demonstrates how even unconnected names on a quilt can be studied collectively as a “one-place study,” revealing valuable context for ancestors’ FAN clubs (Friends, Associates, Neighbors).
• Modern Tools Help You Find and Preserve Quilts: Resources like the Quilt Index, the International Quilt Museum, DPLA, and even local history books are goldmines for discovering documented quilts. Ortega encourages individuals to contribute their own quilts to these platforms and explores preservation best practices, from archival storage to display options.

To explore more examples and deepen your understanding, watch the full session and access the accompanying syllabus packed with search tips, databases, and reading lists. For anyone seeking new ways to uncover ancestral stories or preserve heirlooms, this webinar opens the door to unexpected and meaningful discoveries.