Mission Inn Foundation Celebrates Women’s History Month with Women of the Mission Inn Exhibition Opening
Riverside, CA., – The Mission Inn Foundation and Museum will be celebrating women’s history and contributions with its next exhibition, Women of the Mission Inn, opening on Thursday, March 22 and running through August 31, 2018.
Foundation members are invited to an early viewing from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on March 22, with a public reception following from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Mission Inn Museum is located at 3696 Main Street in the National Historic Landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. There is no museum admission; however there is a suggested $2 donation.
Despite a history of up’s and down’s, the Mission Inn has always held a special status in Riverside. From its development in the late 19th century to its success in the early 20th century, women have played a vital role at the Mission Inn and in Riverside.
“By exploring the varied roles women played throughout the history of the Mission Inn, this exhibition promises to honor their contributions while providing insight into how they navigated the world of early 20th century California. Their stories allow us to find common ground with the women of today,” says Gina Cavallo Collins, Executive Director of the Mission Inn Foundation and Museum on the exhibition’s timeliness and relevance to current events.
The exhibition will feature a variety of objects from the Foundation’s collection including archival material, photographs, May Spiller’s infamous hats, aviation artifacts, and personal affects from the featured historical figures.
Curator of History Karen Raines says, “The women of the Mission Inn include guests, waitresses, maids, shop clerks, performers, managers, owners, and advocates. This exhibition celebrates all of their contributions.”
The Mission Inn Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Family programs are offered in conjunction with Arts Walk, First Sundays, and quarterly. More information on the museum, Women of the Mission Inn exhibit, and upcoming programs is available at www.MissionInnMuseum.org.
About the Mission Inn Foundation and Museum
The Mission Inn Foundation was incorporated in 1976 to assist in the preservation and restoration of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, and originally, to manage the hotel during ownership by the City of Riverside’s Redevelopment Agency. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is now privately owned by Duane and Kelly Roberts, and the Foundation has a unique role of operating a non-profit museum within a for-profit hotel. In addition to the museum, the Mission Inn Foundation interprets the history and significance of the Mission Inn through daily hotel tours, monthly public programs and special events, the Hands On History youth educational initiative, and the continued stewardship of the hotel’s expansive art, artifact, and archival collections.
