Angela Sanfilippo, director of the Association, talks about the significance of the various images on the quilt, which documents the women's work to promote the New England fishing industry. The Association, founded in 1969, assists active and retired fishermen and their families and played a decisive role in the successful fight against oil drilling on Georges Bank and other fishing-related causes. Photo by Justin Ide

Members of the Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association enjoy a laugh while viewing a quilt they made, on display at a Nov. 17 ceremony in which the Association presented its papers to the Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America. From left, Grace Favazza, Rosalie Vitale, and Josephine Russo celebrate. Photo by Justin Ide