Madeline Gets Life: A Lecture by Dan Williams

Join journalist and historian Dan Williams for a captivating talk about Madeline Webb—a Stillwater native whose dramatic life journey took her from Oklahoma A&M to Hollywood stardom dreams, to a sensational murder trial in 1940s New York.

Based on the forthcoming book tentatively titled Madeline Gets Life: Love, Murder, and the Trial that Shook Wartime New York, co-authored with journalist Micki Van Deventer, this presentation uncovers Madeline’s complex story: her relationship with a charming jewel thief, a scandalous murder in a Manhattan hotel suite, and the trial that dominated tabloid headlines.

Madeline spent 25 years in prison before returning to Stillwater, where she sought redemption but faced new challenges—including rejection for living openly with a woman. The authors share rare photographs, historic headlines, prison records, audio of Madeline herself, and personal insights into Stillwater’s forgotten chapters.

📚 Perfect for fans of true crime, women’s history, and untold
Oklahoma stories.
🎟 Free and open to the public
🍪 Light refreshments provided
No RSVP required—come early for seating!

You may also like the following events from Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar:

• Next Friday, 20th June, 06:00 pm, 17th Annual Cool Classics - Piano Quintet in Stillwater
• Next month, 12th July, 11:00 am, Cultural Connections in Stillwater
• Next month, 23rd July, 06:00 pm, 17th Annual Cool Classics - Edgar Cruz in Stillwater

Also check out other Arts events in Stillwater, Literary Art events in Stillwater, Performances in Stillwater.