Ewing Cultural Center Holds New Exhibit to Honor its Founder

Photo provided by the Ewing Cultural Center

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Arising from humble beginnings, serving in the American Red Cross, being an activist in Woman’s Suffrage and creating a legacy in Bloomington-Normal the memory of Hazle Buck Ewing lives on.

The Ewing Cultural Center recently pieced together the final touches of its newest exhibit, “Opening Hazle’s Closet” to take a look into the life behind its founder. Moreover, the exhibit features a variety of clothes that hold significance to Ewing’s memories.

Director of the Ewing Cultural Center Toni Tucker detailed Ewing’s wedding dress which is on display now at the Center.

“One of the most interesting pieces is her 1907 silk wedding dress and her shoes because she was born from wealth, and it shows that she had simple taste. She didn’t go to Paris to buy a wedding gown, this one was handmaid,” she said.

Tucker details the importance that Ewing brought to Bloomington-Normal and how much of an activist she was in the community. Allowing most of her attire to be handmaid, Ewing gives off a humbling sense of persona.

This was Ewing’s drive to change the community and what was so appreciated of her by the community. She was willing to go out of her to do more for others than herself.

As explained by the director, “Victory Hall was an orphanage for boys that she helped start that home here in Normal.”

The exhibit’s main purpose was to express the values and accomplishment that Ewing had in life, as well as, showing off the symbolic features of the clothing that allowed her to climb those mountains of possibilities to help cause change in times of need.

Tucker said, “Not only will you come in a read about her contributions, but there will be QR codes on the clothing to allow the audience to enhance their tour experience.”

The next tour date for the exhibit will be November 16th.