1844 House of Industry

Signature Quilt

This quilt was made by members of the FEMALE SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA FOR THE RELIEF AND EMPLOYMENT OF THE POOR and presented to Ann Burns on the occasion of her retiring after forty-four years as “Matron” (supervisor) of the House of Industry, operated by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) at that time. Notice that each square is individually signed.

The Female Society was founded in 1795 by a small group of Quaker women, led by Ann Parrish, for the purpose of helping those left destitute by the yellow fever epidemics of the period. It was the first charity in Philadelphia to be organized by women and has remained in continuous and active existence. The Society is the parent organization of the PHILADELPHIA CENTER FOR OLD PEOPLE, now located at 509 South Broad Street.

Signature Quilts are quilts with names worked into the designs. The names can be inked, stamped, or embroidered onto a unique quilt square, often showcasing star, leaf, and flower motifs. Quakers liked signature quilts because of the fair and even way that the names were displayed, and different designs evolved that reflected Quaker values like community and equality.

Upon closer inspection, the signatures of the 76 women who worked on the House of Industry quilt in the ASMH collection are visible.

The 1844 House of Industry Signature Quilt is currently not on view for restoration.