We were thrilled to be able to have several amazing speakers at the event including Audrey Elder of Past to Present Research who has done extensive research on the property and wrote the book "100 W Moore Street"; Tom Talbert with Tom Talbert Video, who shared his amazing story about video taping Ginger Rogers in 1994; Gene Padgitt, with HearthMasters, Inc. who is the general contractor responsible for the restoration of the property; Linda Lee Sutton, with Linda Lee Sutton Original Dolls who created the Fancy Feet Doll approved by Ginger Rogers; and your's truly, who discussed Ginger's unique history and family tree.
We were especially pleased with the keynote presentation by Roberta Olden, who was Ginger Rogers' assistant for the last 18 years of her life. Roberta shared many of her interesting stories about the time she spent with Ginger and answered many questions from the audience. Roberta donated some very unique items to the museum that were owned and worn by Ginger Rogers. Some items were sold at the fundraising auction, but most are going on display in the museum.
Among the items on display are two stunning ball gowns (one is the blue dress Ginger wore to the 1967 Academy Awards ceremony), one red and yellow polka dot dress that Ginger is shown wearing in a photo on the back of a book, a negligee set that Ginger designed for JC Penney, the key to the City and proclamation from the 1964 "Ginger Rogers Day" event in Independence, and gloves and purses. A pair of shoes and pair of boots that Ginger wore were among several items that sold at the auction.
Joann Carlson donated many items to the museum which are now on display. Vivian Miner also donated many clippings and other items, and we have books, magazines, an collectibles that were donated by multiple individuals.
An "everyday" skirt, blouse, and jacket are on loan from Mrs. Marilyn Stewart. This item was purchased at the estate sale in California.
We hosted a Ginger Rogers Fan Club meeting at the museum on Sunday morning so attendees could take the first tour of the house. Even though all of the displays are not yet up, the crowd seemed to enjoy seeing all of our hard work. It was so nice to be able to see people face-to-face that we've been communicating with via social media, and to be able to speak with other die-hard Ginger Rogers fans!
The museum security system and camera system are installed and we are currently working on anti-UV light display cases for the gowns.
We are gearing up for our grand opening on August 16 at 4:00 pm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Independence Chamber of Commerce. The museum will be open to the public on August 17. For more information and tickets visit www.thegingerhouse.org.
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Marge Padgitt is the Director and owner of The Ginger House Museum, and the President and Director of the Local History Preservation Society which is a not-for-profit organization who handles donations to the museum. mp@thegingerhouse.org.
