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Muriel King designed the costumes for Stage Door and Katharine Hepburn looks beautiful in this flowing dress. She’s stealing a scene with veteran actress Constance Collier in this still from the film.

Jean Druesedow, Director of the Kent State University Museum and curator of the exhibit had to recreate the belt for this dress—and it involved not only sewing skills, but some detective work!

Katharine Hepburn was stunning wearing this grey silk marquisette gown in Stage Door (1937), but the beautiful draping of organza and chiffon of silk crepe de chine is just the start of the story this dress tells about how movies were made in the 1930s and how museums research and restore the items in their collections. Why does this grey dress appear white in the still photograph from the film? Why is the belt magenta when the publicity poster for the movie shows it is blue? Get these and all your other burning questions about Katharine Hepburn answered by our knowledgeable CHS staff as they lead you through our fabulous exhibit. For July and August we’re offering guided tours FREE with museum admission every Tuesday and Saturday at 2 pm.

Here are all the details:

Public Tours of Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen

Tuesdays and Saturdays in July and August │ 2:00 pm │ FREE with museum admission │Space is limited

Join us for a guided tour of the exhibit and learn more about Hepburn’s life in Connecticut, her film career, and her iconic personal style. Beat the summer heat, and bring along your out-of-town visitors!

Jennifer Steadman is the Adult Programs Manager at the Connecticut Historical Society