National Shirley Temple Tour Launches in Rochester

By The Strong

A display of memorabilia from Shirley Temple's personal collection kicks off its nation-wide tour in Rochester this Thursday, April 30 at The Strong museum. The display, which runs through Sunday, May 3, includes dozens of objects from Temple's early life and from her years as America's sweetheart, such as original costumes used in her Hollywood films, dolls from her personal collection, and childhood gifts from other artists and actors spanning her classic years from 1928 to 1941.

"Shirley Temple had a huge impact on American society, and her life inspired a host of dolls, toys, and other keepsakes," said Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections at The Strong. "We are honored to be chosen as the first venue to display these unique items and to have the chance to tell this important story about childhood and play."

The Love, Shirley Temple display, sponsored by Theriaults, includes dozens of objects, such as original costumes used in her Hollywood films, including the aviator costume from Bright Eyes and the iconic polka dot dress from Stand Up and Cheer!; dolls from her personal collection, including her first doll and "Pinky," a Lenci doll used in the film Bright Eyes; and gifts from other artists and actors, such as the child-sized car given to her by Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and a life-size ceremonial Japanese doll gifted to her by the Japanese American community during a trip to Hawaii.The exhibition will also include many paintings and illustrations done for her by famed artists, animators, and cartoonists of the period. On May 2 and May 3 only, guests will be able to view full-length versions of Temple's classic movies, Stand Up and Cheer! (Saturday) and Bright Eyes (Sunday).

Temple rose to prominence as a child actress in the early 1930s with her breakthrough film Stand Up and Cheer! and is often remembered for her iconic singing of "On the Good Ship Lollipop" from the 1934 film Bright Eyes. From 1935 to 1938, her films held the number one spot at the Hollywood box office. Her smile, charm, and curly hair were seen by many as bright spots in America following the Great Depression. Former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was often quoted as saying; "As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right."

Temple's family said in a statement, "The legacy of our mother's unique and legendary contribution to screen entertainment is embodied in these lovingly preserved artifacts of a childhood like few others in history. We believe that, just as the celluloid magic of her youth continues to captivate and enrich successive generations, these artifacts should now be shared across the world with collectors, fans, and museums as tangible reminders of this child-star's irrepressibly joyful and optimistic persona."