In a world striving for inclusivity, grassroots movements like The 70273 Project remind us of humanity's capacity for both cruelty and compassion. Between 1940 and 1941, the Nazis targeted people with disabilities. These individuals, some in institutions and some identified at birth, were selected through a simple process: a one-page form listing their mental or physical conditions was reviewed by three Nazi doctors. If two of the doctors marked the form with the red "X", the patient was considered "X-ed out." The victims never met these doctors; their lives were reduced to two Xs on a single sheet of paper.
Fast forward to 2016, when Jeanne Hewell-Chambers, a fabric artist, quilter, and storyteller, turned her sorrow and compassion into action. She was inspired by her sister-in-law Nancy who has a severe intellectual disability, and a WWII documentary about Aktion T4 - a secret Nazi program that targeted those deemed "unworthy of life." The name "T4" comes from the program's headquarters at Tiergartenstraße 4 in Berlin. Emboldened by these horrific events, Jeanne launched The 70273 Project on her birthday, February 14th. She envisioned commemorating each life lost through a quilt block: a white or cream fabric background symbolizing the Nazi form, adorned with two red "X"s to represent one victim.
A Global Tribute
Peggy Thomas is the current Board Chair of The 70273 Project. “Within three years, The 70273 Project had received 70,273 blocks from volunteers in 144 countries.” Each block has been meticulously documented, ensuring the names of contributors and the origins of their creations are preserved. “Today, 900 quilts have been assigned numbers, with 494 completed and ready for exhibit, while 172 are in progress.”
The project’s mission goes beyond commemorating those lost; it actively advocates for people with disabilities. Peggy’s personal connection fuels her passion: “My son Kevin, who is autistic, would have been among those given two red "X"s.”
Quilting a Legacy
The process of creating these quilts is a community effort. Peggy hosts “bundling parties” to sort blocks into manageable groups, which are then sent to volunteer quilters. The organization keeps an extensive database—affectionately called “Missus”—to track every block’s origin and journey. Data Angels, volunteers from Argentina, Canada, Australia, and the United States, ensure the database remains current. The organization has no paid staff.
Today, 600 quilts are stored in the old Tyrone Elementary School. Exhibits showcasing quilts have taken place worldwide, sharing the project’s story and sparking conversations about history, humanity, and inclusion. During one such exhibit in Celle, Germany, a woman approached Peggy's booth several times before revealing that her uncle had been killed under the Nazi program. These moments highlight the enduring relevance and impact of the project.
Looking Ahead: The Great Gathering
The project’s ambitious next step is "The Great Gathering," a massive exhibition scheduled for 2026 in Trilith. This event will showcase all completed quilts, commemorating the 70,273 lives lost and demonstrating the power of collective memory. Sponsorships will be integral to the success of The Great Gathering. Peggy is happy that, "After the event, quilts will be adopted by the makers, or by schools or museums to put on display to continue to tell the story."
A Call to Action
The 70273 Project’s mission is as much about the present as the past. “Creating a world where everyone is welcomed and included regardless of ability” remains its guiding principle. As Peggy emphasizes, sharing these stories is crucial to ensuring such atrocities are never repeated. To support the project, whether by volunteering or donating financially, reach out to Peggy Thomas at peggy@the70273project.org.
The 70273 Project Needs:
- Volunteer quilters
- Administrative volunteers
- Financial support for operations
- Sponsorships for the 2026 event: The Great Gathering
What began as a heartfelt call to action, quickly became a global movement. Let us remember, honor, and act so that one of history’s darkest chapters is never forgotten and its lessons never ignored.