This commemorative quilt recognizes women's roles in the care and comfort of survivors following the wreck of the SS Atlantic 150 years ago in Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia. We celebrate and acknowledge their compassion and service to others that has long gone unrecognized. 

These women – from Lower Prospect, Upper Prospect (Prospect Village) and Terence Bay – were the wives and daughters of the brave fishermen who faced frigid waters to save the lives of over four hundred people. Not a single woman on board survived the wreck. So, not only do we recognize the local women but we also remember the women on board the Atlantic who were lost in this disaster. Lastly, we want to acknowledge the work of present day women who serve as first responders. 

The quilt has a long tradition of playing a special role in family events and today they are often made to commemorate births, marriages and other significant occasions. Our quilt was created with mostly volunteer labour by a group of twelve women from the local area where the SS Atlantic wrecked.