“Marian Anderson: Her Story in Style” A Special Mother’s Day Event at Penn Museum, May 7
Philadelphia—In partnership with the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society, the Penn Museum will present an afternoon of empowerment, history, and fashion with “Marian Anderson: Her Story in Style” on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Tea and light bites will be offered after the presentation.
Jillian Patricia Pirtle, the CEO of the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society (762 South Martin Street), will bring the story of a civil rights icon to life through her musical legacy and timeless sense of style during this Mother’s Day weekend special event.
One of the most important historical figures of the 20th century, Marian Anderson is renowned for her music artistry, humanitarianism, and extraordinary achievements, but her love of fashion and couture is a story largely untold.
“Little is known about her stylistic elegance and status as a fashion icon,” Pirtle says. “We are delighted that we can continue to share this aspect of Marian Anderson’s life and story with this beautiful and historic fashion presentation.”
During the program, visitors will gain access to exclusive Marian Anderson-related collection archives and glimpse her exquisite wedding gown rarely seen by the public.
The first African-American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Anderson dazzled the world with her voice and stage presence—dressed in breathtaking ensembles like the velvet merlot gown on display in The Stories We Wear exhibition. The gown was likely created by Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes, one of the first Black fashion designers who dressed the “who’s who” of the 20th century, like Ella Fitzgerald and Josephine Baker.
The cost for the event is $20 per person, which includes Penn Museum admission for the entire day and tea with light bites. For a Mother’s Day gift, two tickets are $35.
“As the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and our flood emergency, we are extremely grateful for this partnership and the support of the Penn Museum, as we present this wonderful programming to the public,” Pirtle adds.
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About the Penn Museum
The Penn Museum’s mission is to be a center for inquiry and the ongoing exploration of humanity for our University of Pennsylvania, regional, national, and global communities, following ethical standards and practices.
Through conducting research, stewarding collections, creating learning opportunities, sharing stories, and creating experiences that expand access to archaeology and anthropology, the Museum builds empathy and connections across diverse cultures
The Penn Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. It is open until 8:00 pm on first Wednesdays of the month. The Café is open Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. On Sundays, the Café is open 10:30 am-2:30 pm. For information, visit www.penn.museum, call 215.898.4000, or follow @PennMuseum on social media.
About the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society
Dedicated to promoting the legacy of one of the most important opera performers of the 20th century, the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society changes its exhibitions each year, focusing on a new aspect of the late classical singer’s life.
The three-story house constructed in the 19th century that stands at 762 South Martin Street was named to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. It was also declared a historic landmark by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.