Title: Staging the Archive: Theatrical Methods for Presidential Library and Museum Engagement Through Betty Ford’s Legacy
Stream: Arts - Performing Arts Practices: Theater, Dance, Music
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Jamey Grisham, Stephens College, United States
Abstract:
During visits to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, I was struck by the often-overlooked influence of First Ladies, especially Betty Ford, whose openness about personal struggles and advocacy for health still resonate strongly today. This study investigates how theatrical techniques can animate archival materials and deepen public engagement, drawing on interviews, field observations, and a range of scholarly and creative sources. Grounded in museum studies and ethnodrama, the research uses Betty Ford’s multifaceted legacy—captured through personal artifacts, correspondence, and expert commentary—as a case study for performative storytelling that brings presidential history to life. Archival research at the Ford Library, combined with creative practices like scriptwriting and curated video, aligns with performance theory concepts such as “restored behavior” and the ephemerality of live theatre to create immersive, emotional museum experiences. Contextualizing this work alongside plays such as The First Lady Suite (2004), Grey Gardens (2006), and All The Way (2012), the project highlights the varied ways First Ladies have been dramatized and builds on this tradition by centering Ford’s modern dance background to develop embodied, interactive approaches. Ultimately, this integration of archival preservation and theatrical innovation challenges conventional museum display, offering new pathways to engage diverse audiences and ensure that legacies such as Betty Ford’s remain vivid, accessible, and meaningful for future generations.
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