Cornelia Bryce Pinchot
Elegance, Power, and Change
SPECIAL EXHIBIT
The exhibit features eight garments and accessories from the Grey Towers NHS collection—five of which have never been on display. Objects range from the 1910s-1950s and are supplemented with archival photographs spanning Cornelia Bryce Pinchot's (1881-1960) remarkable lifetime.
Cornelia was born in 1881 in Newport, Rhode Island and was raised in the wealthy Victorian tradition; educated in private schools, and traveled frequently between New York, Europe, and Newport. She was unwilling to live the conventional life of a young socialite. Her strong-willed nature set her on a path towards politics and social justice. She was a champion for women’s rights, labor, and education reform. She was described by many as energetic, independent, and striking. Her appearance was unabashedly flamboyant and matched her bold personality. She had red hair, piercing blue eyes, and a propensity for wearing bright colors. She was in a constant state of motion and projected a vitality that filled the room.
Exhibition
Cornelia Bryce Pinchot: Elegance, Power, and Change offers an intimate view into how her fashion reveals her vibrant personality. See how Cornelia shifts with trends of the time, how her travels influence her individuality, and how her affluent upbringing gave her the confidence to push boundaries.
Public can view the exhibit through ticketed public museum tours offered on Thursdays through Mondays at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm through October 2024.
For more information visit fs.usda.gov/greytowers or www.facebook.com/GreyTowersNHS
