Evanston History Center Exhibit Opening

On Friday, May 6, 2011, the Evanston History Center opens a new exhibit, “A Curious Patchwork of Evanston Treasures.” The exhibit features a diverse collection of intriguing artifacts, textiles, costumes, documents and images that reflect American cultural history filtered though Evanston’s experiences.

The exhibit opening and reception will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM at the Dawes House, 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston, IL. The event will be catered by Whole Foods Market and will include exhibit viewing and a silent auction. Vintage dress is welcome.

Tickets are $20 per person, payable by phone at (847) 475-3410 or online at www.evanstonhistorycenter.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the night of the event. Children 12 years old and younger are free.

 “A Curious Patchwork of Evanston Treasures” explores Evanston’s fascination with fashion, film, pop culture, technology, and more. The “patchwork” of the exhibit is comprised of a unique array of wildly interesting pieces from EHC’s vast collection. From a 1950s Christian Dior dress purchased in Paris by an Evanstonian for his daughter to the silent films created by one Evanston family in the 1920s, the exhibit weaves together the objects and stories that reflect the times, trends, and fads of the 19th and 20th centuries.

 The captivating centerpiece of the exhibit is an exuberant and enormous hand stitched quilt created between 1920 and 1950 by the late Evanstonian, Ethel Sampson, and donated to the EHC by the family of Ethel Sampson.  This unique and stunning piece of folk art is comprised of autographs and memorabilia from leading figures of the mid 20th century, including Mary Pickford, Bing Crosby, and Amelia Earhart.

The exhibit will be open through 2011 during regular tour hours of the Dawes House, Thursdays-Sundays from 1PM-4PM. Admission to the exhibit is included in the tour cost. (Adults: $10; EHC Members Free.)