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The Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis exhibition feature a donated Jackie Kennedy collection from Monte Durham of Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta.
Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Obviously, you know the pillbox cap and enormous shades, yet do you truly know Jackie? This spring, visit the First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton, Ohio, to meet the real Jackie O.
Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, debuting on May 2, 2023, and running through April 27, 2024, was organized by the National First Ladies Library at the First Ladies National Historic Site. The exhibition includes never-before-seen curios given by Monte Durham of Express Yes to the Dress Atlanta, who will show up in Canton for the display’s opening.
On Monday, May 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Mr. Monte Durham will host a private and exclusive “First Look” Champagne Reception at the First Ladies National Historic Site (205 Market Avenue South, Canton, Ohio 44702). On Tuesday, May 2, the exhibition will be open to the public at 9:00 a.m., and during the Grand Opening, curator-led tours will be offered throughout the day. The exhibit will be on display until April 2024.

Monte Durham
Through private letters, remarkable propagation dresses, and classic ephemera, Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis will investigate the layers of Jackie’s life, from her job as a mother to her situation as a First Woman. Go past the White House and find out about Jackie’s life, from her days as a “camera young lady” to her late profession as a book manager at Doubleday. Experience Jackie through the eyes of her biggest fan, Monte Durham, who tells the intimate stories that his collectibles reveal about her. From the loan of the Mona Lisa to the kindergarten classroom at the White House, hear tales not found in textbooks.
An exquisite reproduction of Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress, designed by a couture wedding dress designer (the original dress is currently preserved at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum because it is too delicate to display), is a must-see part of the exhibition. The dress pays tribute to African-American dress designer Ann Lowe, who made Jackie’s wedding dress, which is one of the most well-known wedding gowns ever. Visitors will also be able to learn about the groundbreaking designer and her relationship with Jackie through the exhibition.
According to Monte Durham, he has long admired everything about Jackie Kennedy. This is an unimaginable chance to impart to the world something so critical to him. He has enjoyed collecting “Jackie” artifacts and memorabilia for a number of years, and one way to honor her memory is to donate a significant portion of his collection to the National First Ladies Library in Canton. Everyone has a story to tell when you say “Jackie Kennedy”; Everybody has a memory. He shared that he is ecstatic to be a part of this exhibition, which will highlight her life in its many facets.
National First Ladies Library

The mission of the National First Ladies Library is to preserve, promote, and educate about the significant roles played by first ladies in United States history.
Patty Dowd Schmitz, president, and chief executive officer of the National First Ladies Library stated that they are honored that Mr. Durham has chosen to gift his collection to the National First Ladies Library at the First Ladies National Historic Site, and they could not be more thrilled to host him in person for their exclusive “First Look” Champagne Reception on Monday evening, May 1. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a remarkable individual whose life and influence lasted well past her time as First Lady. They hope that their customers will be as thrilled as they are to see her life “Beyond Camelot” in this one-of-a-kind exhibit in 2023 and 2024
Mary Regula, the wife of former U.S. Representative Ralph Regula, established the National First Ladies Library in Canton, Ohio, in 1995. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the goal of preserving, promoting, and educating about the significant roles played by first ladies in United States history. The association works and deals with the Principal Women Public Noteworthy Site in an organization concurrence with the Public Park Administration.
In 2000, President Bill Clinton marked a bill laying out the Main Women Public Memorable Site in Canton as the 380th unit of the Public Park Administration. The Education and Research Center and the Ida Saxton McKinley House, First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley’s family home, and President William and Ida McKinley’s longtime residence make up the site. The Schooling and Exploration Center has display space, a Victorian theater, an examination library, gathering and course rooms, recorded capacity and handling rooms, and managerial workplaces.
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For tickets to the exclusive “First Look” Champagne Reception with Monte Durham, go to https://bit.ly/ChampagneReception
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