Shirley Temple, James Dean, John Wayne and more honored at U.S. museums
Hundreds of items of Shirley Temple memorabilia, including dolls from her collection and her Scottish outfit from the movie "Wee Willie Winkie," are part of the "Love Shirley" traveling exhibition. The Morris Museum in Morristown, N.J., hosts the exhibit May 21-24. Credit: Thierault's
You don't have to board the Good Ship Lollipop for a sweet trip down memory lane to find out about Shirley Temple. A traveling exhibit celebrating America's sweetheart heads our way this week. It's just one of many attractions that pay tribute to classic Hollywood stars.
1. LOVE, SHIRLEY TEMPLE exhibit, Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey. Auction house Theriault's has put together this exhibition saluting Temple, the screen's most popular child star. Hundreds of items from her peak Hollywood years will be on display May 21 through May 24 including a child-sized racing car given to her by co-star Bill "Bojangles" Robinson; a baby grand piano inscribed by Theodore Steinway; tap shoes; movie costumes; dolls, and much more. Items from the exhibit will be up for auction July 14.
INFO 973-971-3700, morrismuseum.org, theriaults.com
2. JOHN WAYNE BIRTHPLACE & MUSEUM, Winterset, Iowa. The Duke is riding high once again. The grand opening of a new 6,100-square-foot museum, on the same block as the home where Wayne was born, takes place May 22 through May 25. Movie posters, scripts, letters, Western costumes and the actor's 1972 dark-green Pontiac station wagon are among the displayed items. Opening weekend festivities include a rodeo, free screenings, a pancake breakfast and more.
INFO 515-462-1044, johnwaynebirthplace.museum
3. THE JAMES DEAN GALLERY, Fairmount, Indiana. Even though he was known for just three screen roles before his death at age 24 in 1955, Dean's legacy lives on. This museum located in a restored 1890 Victorian home features movie posters, more than 1,000 photos, costumes, yearbooks, bronze sculptures and clips from Dean's TV work. Upcoming events include a James Dean Spring Fans Get-Together (May 29-31) and the James Dean Spring Car Show (June 27).
INFO 765-948-3326, jamesdeangallery.com
4. LUCILLE BALL DESI ARNAZ MUSEUM & CENTER FOR COMEDY, Jamestown, New York. If you love Lucy -- and Desi, too -- this museum in Ball's hometown is a mecca for fans that features costumes, gowns, letters, "I Love Lucy" scripts and awards. Nearby Desilu Studios features replicas of sets from Ball's '50s sitcom such as the Ricardos' living room and kitchen.
INFO 716-484-0800, lucy-desi.com
5. THE AVA GARDNER MUSEUM, Smithfield, North Carolina. The screen siren is celebrated at this shrine in her hometown that features more than 20,000 treasures including china, jewelry, clothing and fine art owned by Gardner; 40 portraits by artist Bert Pfeiffer; and special items like the 17-jewel watch Gardner bought for ex-husband Frank Sinatra and a gold-plated Derringer director John Huston gave to the actress while filming "Night of the Iguana."
INFO 919-934-5830, avagardner.org
