PEM Reads: Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free

Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 2—4 pm

In person
Morse Auditorium
Included with admission
Register Here: pem.org/events/claire-mccardell-the-designer-who-set-women-free?date=2025-12-07&time=02:00

Critically acclaimed author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson brings to life the riveting hidden history of Claire McCardell, America's most influential fashion designer. Join us for a book talk with Dickinson and Chief Curator Petra Slinkard to learn how McCardell shattered gendered cultural norms around clothes and invented much of what we still wear today.

This program is a one-hour talk, including an opportunity for questions from the audience, followed by a book signing and reception.

PEM Reads celebrates the art of literature and the creative act of writing through a year-round series of collaborative book club readings and author events, both in person and online. By gathering to read and discuss world-class literature and meet authors, PEM Reads seeks to deepen our sense of community and celebrate great storytelling. We hope you’ll join us!

You may also like the following events from Peabody Essex Museum:

• This Friday, 28th November, 03:00 pm, Gourd Centerpieces in Salem
• This Saturday, 29th November, 01:00 pm, Forest Shakers in Salem
• Next Friday, 5th December, 10:30 am, PEM Pals: The Amazing Sarong in Salem

Also check out other Arts events in Salem, Literary Art events in Salem, Workshops in Salem.