Album quilts of the 19th century grew out of a fondness for autograph albums, and by the 1840s, quiltmakers were signing quilt blocks and sewing them together for a variety of reasons: to raise money for a charitable cause, to celebrate a particular event, to honor a distinguished member of the community, as a gift for a departing family member or friend, or simply as an expression of friendship and community. ⁠ ⁠ The exact purpose for the making of this 1861 “Cross River Album Quilt” has not been determined, however, it is thought that it may have ties to the start of the Civil War and the Union Army’s Soldiers Aid Society. All 11 women who signed the quilt have been located in historical records. Each of them were probably related and lived within a mile or two of each other, ranging in age from 15 to 55. ⁠ ⁠ Mrs. Eldad Miller and others (1805–1874), Cross River Album Quilt, Cross River, New York, United States c. 1861. Cotton and silk with wool embroidery, 90 × 75". Collection American Folk Art Museum. Gift of Dr. Stanley and Jacqueline Schneider, 1980.8.1. Photo by Gavin Ashworth.