New Yorker Joanna S. Rose (1930-2021) began buying quilts in the 1950s. She enjoyed searching for bargains at flea markets and antique stores. In 2011 Mrs. Rose’s husband, Daniel, proposed a special gift for her 80th birthday – a celebration of the Joanna S. Rose Red and White Collection in an exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City titled Infinite Variety, which included 650 of her quilts.

Joanna Rose donated the Infinite Variety quilts in honor of her husband Daniel and their 63rd wedding anniversary.  In the fall of 2021, Mrs. Rose and her family oversaw the transfer of the quilts from their home to the International Quilt Museum.