As part of an ongoing collaboration with the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society, the DAR was honored to display at its Headquarters a performance gown, shoes, and necklace worn by Marian Anderson during her esteemed career! 

The dress was on loan to the DAR from the Marian Anderson Museum for a year. It was first unveiled in Constitution Hall for member viewing at DAR Continental Congress in June 2023 and later on display for special events that took place in the Hall. It was also prominently displayed for public viewing at the entrance of the DAR Museum gallery from October 2023 to March 2024, with important information on Marian Anderson and her connection to the DAR on labels alongside the display. 

The cranberry red sequined gown was made in Paris and worn by Anderson during her concerts in the 1930s. The chocolate brown satin slippers and jewelry were also a part of Anderson’s collection of performance accessories. The record on display is from the NSDAR Archives of a recording Marian Anderson made at a concert at DAR Constitution Hall in 1964 at the beginning of her farewell tour.

The DAR Museum took special care in preparing the gown for display and additionally used special 3D scanning software to create intricate images of the dress.

The DAR is grateful to the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society and Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO, (pictured below with President General Pamela Wright) for this special loan.