Who were the female Parisian hat makers of the late 19th-early 20th century successfully running international businesses? Which dining room did Marjorie Post prefer on the Queen Mary during her voyages to Paris? What is the history behind her receipt of the Legion of Honor and how many examples of antiques did Post acquire from her favorite Parisian dealers still in Hillwood’s collection today? Delve further into these behind-the-scenes stories and more with Megan Martinelli, Hillwood’s associate curator of textiles, apparel, jewelry and accessories and curator of the special exhibition, Marjorie Merriweather’s Post Paris.

Image credit: Hillwood Archives & Special Collections

Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1933, photographed in the Parisian studio of Madame D'Ora/Dora Kallamus (1881-1963)

HYBRID PROGRAM 

This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location. 

IN-PERSON TIMELINE

5:30–6:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

• Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and exhibition, Marjorie Merriweather Post's Paris, on view in the dacha
• Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop 

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lecture 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Megan Martinelli joined Hillwood in January 2018 and is the associate curator of textiles, apparel, jewelry, and accessories. She was the lead curator for the 2019 special exhibition, Mid-Century Master: The Photography of Alfred Eisenstaedt, 2021’s Roaring Twenties: The Life and Style of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 2022’s Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris, open February 17 through June 16, 2024. Prior to Hillwood, Megan was a Research Assistant at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, where she assisted with exhibitions including “China: Through the Looking Glass” (2015) and “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” (2016). Megan holds a Master of Science in Historic Textiles and Costumes from the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses on identity and expression through fashion and adornment.