Troy, New York - The Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) will open a new exhibit, “Troy is My Home Town”: The Life and Times of Maureen Stapleton on Friday, February 1, 2013. The exhibit explores the life and career of Troy native and Oscar® winning actress Maureen Stapleton.
The public is invited to an exhibit opening on Friday, February 1, 2013 starting at 5:30pm at RCHS located at 57 Second Street, Troy NY. The exhibit runs through July 27, 2013 and is sponsored in part by the Herold Charitable Trust and Berkshire Bank.
Later in the evening, a multi-media tribute hosted by WNYT's Benita Zahn, will feature moments of Stapleton on video, appearances by special guests, and readings from Stapleton’s most famous works by Russell Sage College students. The tribute will be held at Bush Memorial Hall located on the Russell Sage College campus starting at 8:00pm. The tribute is free and open to the public.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Maureen Stapleton never forgot her hometown, Troy, New York. Growing up on First Street, Ms. Stapleton often frequented Troy’s many movie houses, escaping reality by entering into the world of Hollywood. Countless hours spent watching the glamorous stars of the 1930s and 1940s ultimately led Maureen to her life’s passion – acting.
After graduating from Catholic High, Ms. Stapleton saved $100 and then departed Troy for the lights of New York City. Although she became an internationally recognized actress, winning the Academy Award, an Emmy, and two Tony awards, she never forgot her roots along the bank of the Hudson River. Ms. Stapleton is one of twelve actresses to have won the Triple Crown of Acting (an Oscar, Emmy and Tony).
The exhibit focuses on three main themes; Setting the Stage, Troy in the 1920s – 1940s; Maureen Stapleton’s Career in Theater, Film and Television; and A Hell of a Life - Maureen’s Legacy. Utilizing the rich archival collection at RCHS, the exhibit features historic photographs, playbills, and ephemera associated with the entertainment industry that existed in Troy in the early decades of the 20th century. RCHS has worked closely with the Troy Little Italy's Maureen Stapleton Tribute Committee, chaired by Mike Esposito in developing this exhibit. In addition, RCHS has collaborated with private collectors and Ms. Stapleton’s family for several prominent loans to the exhibit, including:
· Oscar statue, 1981, for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Reds
· Emmy statue, 1968, Among the Paths of Eden
· Golden Globe, 1970, for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Airport
· Two Dresses owned by Ms. Stapleton
· Playbills, Scripts, and Play and Movie Posters
· Photographs, Letters and Telegrams from Ms. Stapleton’s friends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Tennessee Williams, Grace Kelly and more.
Stacy Pomeroy Draper, RCHS Curator, states, “Through this exhibit, and working with the local community who still remember and love her, RCHS is pleased to honor Maureen Stapleton whose talent and artistry impacted millions of people .”
RCHS is open Thursdays – Saturdays, Noon to 5pm. There is no fee to view the exhibit, donations are encouraged. Guided tours of the exhibit are available for groups. For more information, call 518-272-7232 or visit www.rchsonline.org
Maureen Stapleton A Tribute
David Baecker, Associate Professor of Theater at Russell Sage College, has organized a tribute evening honoring Maureen Stapleton. Ms. Stapleton's dreams of being an actress began in Troy. Similarly, local students studying the craft of acting will come together to honor the legacy of her work. Hosted by WNYT's Benita Zahn, the tribute will feature moments of Stapleton on video, appearances by Stapleton's family, biographer Jane Scovell and other special guests, and readings from Stapleton’s most famous works by Russell Sage College students.
For information, call Professor David Baecker at 518-244 -2263
The Rensselaer County Historical Society and Museum is a dynamic not-for-profit educational organization established in 1927 to connect local history and heritage with contemporary life. We strive to enrich the present and advocate for the future by bringing the region’s past to life, recognizing every face and every story.
RCHS is located at 57 Second Street, Troy NY 12180.
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