These quilts were made by Northern women during the Civil War as part of a supply drive by the U.S. Sanitary Commission to aid the Northern war cause. The Sanitary Commission, a volunteer organization charged with overseeing the sanitary conditions in the Union military hospitals recognized that there was a terrible shortage of bed coverings, bandages, socks, and other clothing articles in the hospitals.

Northern women, in the four year period of the Civil War made an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 quilts for the cause--all by hand. They usually measured approximately 48 by 84 inches.

When Citrus Belt Quilters began its drive under the leadership of member, Don Beld, the Inland Empire area of Southern California had 16 losses. They now have over 80.

The Home of the Brave Quilt Project, as it was named, has now spread to almost all fifty states, the District of Columbia and has honorary chapters in England, Germany, and Australia.

The Home of the Brave Quilt Project is a grassroots movement and not a non-profit organization. While some donations have been received, each quilt is made with supplies purchased by the maker or his/her guild. Each area or state coordinator sustains their costs out of their own resources. Because it is a genuine grassroots movement, the HOTBQP has struck a national cord, receiving recognition by many military and political figures as well as noted quilt institutions.

It has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles as well as local and national television news programs. Perhaps its greatest honor has been the wonderful letters of gratitude from families who have received the quilts