The album quilt has traditionally been considered as a quilted version of the album book-an assemblage of fabric blocks made or signed by different persons, then presented as a gift to remind the recipient of friends and relatives. This extraordinary quilt might be considered the definitive example. Made by relatives and friends of Samuel Williams (1769-1847), a Baltimore grocer and Methodist preacher, it could almost be considered an album sampler. The difficulty of design and the quality of workmanship displayed in its forty-two signed blocks range from modest to accomplished. Among the most sophisticated blocks are those which relate directly to the history of Baltimore: a steam engine with a railroad car resembling one used by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; a funerary urn encircled by a laurel wreath honoring Colonel William H. Watson, a local hero of the Mexican-American War; and the Baltimore Battle Monument erected to commemorate the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the Battle of North Point in 1814. In addition there are elaborate floral baskets and fruit compotes, chintz appliqué bouquets, and various wreaths. Joining these are more primitive flower pots, naïve floral sprays, animals, and two-colored floral and pineapple cut-paper motifs. These disparate blocks are joined in a cohesive whole through an unusual and brilliantly executed appliquéd border with triple undulating floral vines. Among the signatures appearing on this quilt are those of Samuel Williams's second wife, Maria Wehner Williams, whom he married in 1833; his stepdaughter Mary Ann Wehner O'Laughlen; and step-grandchildren Maria Kate, Michael, and Samuel Williams O'Laughlen. Other signatories were associated with Williams through marriage, business partnerships, the Methodist Church, friendships, and as neighbors. Though completed after his death, the quilt remained a tribute honoring Williams's lifetime of service on behalf of church and community. His family treasured it for generations before donating it to the Museum in 1988. The curator wishes to thank Ronda McAllen, Caroly Bracken, and Debbie Cooney, independent researchers, for their assistance in gathering information on the Williams family.