The AIDS Memorial Quilt:
A Living Memorial
On view through june 2026
Displayed at the Historic William J. Brennan Courthouse, these panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt offer a powerful opportunity to reflect on lives lost, stories remembered, and the enduring impact of community activism in the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
in special collaboration with the national aids memorial
showing the love:
hudson county lives, hiv/aids,
and the aids memorial quilt
Join us on Thursday, June 4th at 4:30PM for our National PRIDE Month Flag Raising and a special panel discussion from 5–6 PM in the Brennan Courthouse Rotunda.
The Honorable Judge Turula, Jonathan Lucas from the Hudson Pride Center, Director Darice Toon of Hudson County Department of Health Human Services and others will discuss personal and historical experiences on the frontlines of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is one of the largest community arts projects in history and among the most powerful memorials ever created. Conceived in 1985 by AIDS activist Cleve Jones, the Quilt was created to honor those lost to AIDS and to raise awareness of the epidemic’s profound impact on communities across the world.
First displayed in 1987 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with nearly 2,000 panels, the Quilt has grown to include more than 50,000 panels commemorating over 110,000 individuals. Together, these panels form a moving tribute to lives remembered, communities affected, and the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Each panel measures approximately 3 feet by 6 feet, the size of a human grave, symbolizing remembrance, dignity, and recognition for individuals who often faced stigma and discrimination during their lifetimes.
stories stitched into history
Every panel tells a personal story. Created by family members, partners, friends, coworkers, faith communities, and organizations, the Quilt reflects the unique lives, passions, and experiences of those it honors.
Many panels incorporate photographs, clothing, favorite colors, hobbies, professions, handwritten messages, poems, and treasured mementos. Together, they transform grief into remembrance and create a powerful collective history of the AIDS epidemic through the voices of those most deeply affected.
Panels on Display at the
William J. Brennan Courthouse
The Quilt panels on display honor:
- Richard Joseph Stevenson (1957–1991)
- Richard A. Lucas (1951–1989)
- Larry E. Wall (1946–1994)
- Tom Rudich (1963–1984)
- Anthony Kish (1946–1993)
- Mark Krupinski (1956–1993)
Among those memorialized is Tom Rudich, a pioneering New Jersey AIDS activist whose advocacy helped transform public awareness and education about HIV/AIDS throughout the state. Rudich founded New Jersey’s first HIV/AIDS hotline and became a leading voice for accurate information, support services, and compassionate care during the epidemic. His work helped connect communities, public institutions, and educational organizations while challenging stigma and misinformation.
Also represented is a panel dedicated to Jersey City State College, now known as New Jersey City University. The panel reflects the important role educational institutions played in HIV/AIDS awareness, advocacy, and community support during the epidemic. Across the country, colleges and universities became centers for education, remembrance, and action as students, faculty, and staff worked to support those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Through these panels, visitors are invited to remember not only the individuals whose lives were lost, but also the courage, activism, and community spirit that emerged in response to one of the most significant public health crises of the twentieth century.
