In 1985, an AIDS and LGBTQ rights activist named Cleve Jones was inspired to create the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Jones created the first panel in honor of his friend, Marvin Feldman. The response to the idea was immediate and inspiring. It moved generous donors to supply sewing machines and other equipment and united countless volunteers to create the memorial, which would become the largest community art project in the world.
Today, the Quilt continues to grow as more panels are added in memory of loved ones. Sections of the Quilt can be viewed by visitors during business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Conference Center.
The longest-running display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt
1995-2002
Deepening Roots in Kansas City
Kansas City
The Kauffman Foundation Conference Center is home to one of the longest-running continuous public displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Sections of the Quilt have been displayed at the Foundation since 2002.
