The Kent State University Museum will host “Breaking Fashion Barriers” on March 26, an evening exploring the cultural impact of actress Katharine Hepburn.
In partnership with the statewide initiative, Ohio Goes to the Movies, and Kent State’s Center for Student Involvement –civic and community engagement, the program will feature a reception, panel discussion and a free screening of “The Philadelphia Story.”
“Katharine Hepburn’s legacy is deeply tied to Ohio through the Kent State University Museum’s collection,” Molly Kreuzman, director of Ohio Goes to the Movies, said in a news release. “We’re thrilled to partner with the museum to bring ‘The Philadelphia Story,’ written by Ohio-born screenwriter Donald Ogden Stewart, into conversation with the museum’s collection, offering audiences an experience that honors cinematic history while engaging contemporary cultural dialogue.”
The event will begin with a reception in the museum lobby from 4:15 to 5 p.m., a panel discussion in the museum’s Murphy Auditorium will follow from 5 to 6 and the screening of “The Philadelphia Story” in Murphy Auditorium will be from 6 to 8.
The panel discussion will feature faculty, museum professionals and students, highlighting Kent State’s collaborative and student-centered approach to experiential learning, according to the release.
“Fashion is more than aesthetic; it is a visual manifesto of one’s principles, a truth Katharine Hepburn lived both on and off the screen,” Craig Berger, associate director of Kent State’s Center for Student Involvement, said in the release. “Our panel aims to bridge Hepburn’s historic influence with contemporary activism, demonstrating how anyone can tap into their personal values, civic skills and community engagement to strengthen our social fabric.”
Sonia Karkare, program coordinator for the Center for Student Involvement, said in the release, “This partnership treats fashion not simply as clothing, but as a living expression of culture, belonging and public life – at Kent State and within the broader Kent community.”
The museum has the largest collection of Hepburn’s clothing and costumes from her career in film, television and theater, gifted by her estate in 2008, according to the release. An installation featuring Hepburn’s costumes from the stage version of “The Philadelphia Story” will be on display in the museum lobby throughout the month of March in conjunction with the program.
“Breaking Fashion Barriers exemplifies the museum’s role as a living classroom and cultural anchor, connecting fashion and film with student learning and civic engagement on campus and across the state,” Sarah Spinner, director of the Kent State University Museum, said in the release. “Through programs like this, we expand access to our world-class collection and create meaningful public experiences that reflect the university’s commitment to excellence and engagement.”
The museum is at 515 Hilltop Drive.