The Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta will present “A Celebration of Miss America,” an exhibit highlighting evening wear, talent costumes and other memorabilia from various Miss America’s throughout history.
This collection opens to the public just in time for the 99th anniversary of the historic Miss America Competition airing on NBC on Dec. 19, 2019.
“As a Miss America, it’s a great honor to showcase items from my Miss America sisters to help highlight the amazing accomplishments and fashions from this historic organization which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020,” said Heather French Henry, former Miss America and museum curator. “Rosemary was a great mentor and friend who helped me transition into my public role as Miss America, she was literally the second phone call I received after winning the crown. It’s honor to show the collection at the Rosemary Clooney Museum as a way to honor our friendship and her connection to the Miss America Organization.”
One item on display is the coronation gown worn by Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948 which was designed for her to crown her successor Miss America 1949, Jacque Mercer. The collection also showcases gowns from Evelyn Ay, Miss America 1954 who crowned Lee Meriwether who then went onto to become Cat Woman. Others include, Dorothy Benham, Miss America 1977, Debbye Turner, Miss America 1990; Leanza Cornett, Miss America 1993; Heather Renee’ French, Miss America 2000; and Katie Stam, Miss America 2009.
This exhibit will run from Nov, 29, 2019 – Jan. 18, 2020 with a grand opening at 11 a.m. on Nov. 30 to help celebrate Small Business Saturday in Augusta. Henry will be on hand throughout the special grand opening day to give personal tours and to provide details on the collection.
The Rosemary Clooney House was established by Stephen and Heather French Henry, an Augusta native and Miss America who still remains the only Miss Kentucky to win the coveted title. Together, they have created a museum that celebrates the life and career of Kentucky native, Rosemary Clooney whose other notable collections will also be on display at the house. Clooney and Heather French Henry became friends during Henry’s Miss America year when Clooney called Heather to give her advice on how to handle the pressures of instant fame. One piece of Rosemary’s advice that Henry still uses today was to “never forget where you came from.”
The collection replaces the White Christmas Collection Exhibit which is being shown at the Frazier Museum in Louisville, KY November 30, 2019 – January 26, 2020. For more information on that exhibit, please visit www.fraziermuseum.org .
For more information about the Rosemary Clooney House including hours and admission, please visit www.rosemaryclooney.org .
