When: closing April 29, 2018
The folks at the Archives Center in the American History Museum have outdone themselves with their current display of artifacts related to Ella Fitzgerald. They've got more space, and they've made the most of it. Having spent time putting up displays at a library where I used to work, I have a lot of sympathy and fellow-feeling for those who have to do what they can with less immediately interesting materials. This time, they've done a lot.
A word about Fitzgerald: discovered at an Apollo Theater amateur night, she was one of the first female orchestra leaders. She was an incredible vocal improviser; she literally made it up as she went along. One of the items on display is an album cover from 1986, featuring a drawing of her by Picasso. Pictured is a dress she wore in one of her performances, and there are several of her many awards on view as well.
But the real draw is a video, showing her singing. How better to introduce Ella Fitzgerald to those who don't know her than by her voice? Great idea and well executed. The volume is loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to be disruptive to the rest of the wing.
Verdict: This display is worth a trip to American History all on its own.
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