November 30, 2015
Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been held on Dec. 1. It is the first global health day and is used as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite against HIV, shows support for those living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from the disease.
In Philadelphia, this year, there are 14 public events through Dec. 12 that will bring community awareness to the global issue by displaying pieces of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
The Quilt portrays more than 48,000 individual 3-by-6-foot memorial panels -- most commemorating the life of someone who has died of AIDS -- that have been sewn together by friends, loved ones and family members. Most panels are accompanied by letters, biographies and photos, documenting the effect on those lost and those left behind. In 1989, it was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and remains the largest community art project in the world.
The NAMES Project Foundation curates the Quilt and sends sections of it to different host locations for viewing. This year AIDS Fund partnered with the organization to promote the Quilt around Philly.
The Quilt will be available to view at many of the various locations below, while some have extra activities or educational information planned.
AIDS Memorial Quilt available to view.
Friday, Oct. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 13
8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
2913 Kensington Ave
(215) 634-5272
AIDS Memorial Quilt available to view.
Monday, Nov. 30 to Monday, Dec. 7
Hours change daily
1315 Spruce St
(215) 732-2220
AIDS Memorial Quilt available to view.
Monday, Nov. 30 to Monday, Dec. 7
10 a.m to 5 p.m.
1133 Spring Garden St.
(215) 765-6633
The Quilt will be on display through Dec. 4, but there is also another event scheduled for Dec. 1. The Ritz Theater Company will perform a concert of songs from "Rent" on Jefferson University's campus at 7 p.m. Head to Jefferson Alumni Hall Cafeteria for the performance. The information on the Quilt is below.
Monday, Nov. 30 to Friday, Dec. 4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dorrance H. Hamilton Building
1001 Locust St.
AIDS Memorial Quilt available to view.
Monday, Nov. 30 to Thursday, Dec. 3
All day
5501 Old York Road (Paley, 1st Floor)
AIDS Fund presents “1981-Until It’s Over…”, a walk-through timeline of the past 30 years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With both a national and regional focus, the timeline serves as a reminder of the progress made since the start of the epidemic and emphasizes the continued need to fight the disease.
Monday, Nov. 30
10AM-4PM
Scott Memorial Library
1020 Locust St.
AIDS Memorial Quilt and AIDS Fund “1981-Until It’s Over …” timeline will be available to view.
Special information tables will be staffed between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Action AIDS will provide free HIV testing on site. STD and Hepatitis C testing will also be available. Various informational posters and education/craft activities will be onsite to expand upon the message. Poet Gweny Love will lead a performance at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
10a.m to 5 p.m.
Mutter Museum
19 S 22nd St.
(215) 560.8564
Since 2004, the Penn Community Advisory Board has held an annual Red Ribbon Award Ceremony to honor those in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Awards are given in recognition of a policy-maker, a researcher, a community member, and a young person who have made an outstanding contribution through their respective work. The AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be available to view.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Conversation Hall
1401 JFK Blvd
AIDS Fund presents “1981-Until It’s Over…” and there will also be free, walk-in, rapid HIV testing to eligible students.
Tuesday, Dec. 1 to Friday, Dec. 4
10 a.m to 4 p.m.
Locust Walk
University of Pennsylvania Campus.
This is a workshop for those interested in creating a new panel on the Quilt.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Siloam Wellness
1133 Spring Garden St.
(215) 765-6633
Wednesday, Dec. 2 to Friday, Dec. 18
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Campus Center Main Lounge
1621 N 13th St.
Reading, PA 19604
AIDS Memorial Quilt available to view and an education conference on AIDS and sexual health will take place.
Friday, Dec. 4
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Health Network
1200 South Cedar Crest Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
AIDS Memorial Quilt available to view and also a bingo game will take place. Celebrating a different theme each month, GayBINGO! is a traditional Bingo game with a twist. The events are hosted by the Bingo Verifying Divas, drag queens who entertain the crowd with wacky humor and outrageous costumes.
Saturday, Dec. 5
7 p.m.
401 S Broad St.
(215) 731-9255
Saturday, Dec. 12
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1601 N 12th St.
(215) 232-6004
