Lombard Historical Society celebrates "Annie-Versary", inviting all ages to celebrate the independent and self-assured character who won the hearts of generations of Americans. Whether you remember her for her indomitable spirit, moral compass, or fiery red curls, Little Orphan Annie remains an important icon in American culture 100 years after the character's debut in the namesake comic strip. Affectionately dubbed the "Annie-Versary," the Lombard Historical Society (LHS) will be hosting a series of events that will run from April 26, 2024, through December 23, 2024, commemorating Little Orphan Annie's enduring legacy and paying tribute to Harold Gray, the creative genius who brought her to life.
The Little Orphan Annie comic strip first appeared in syndication in The New York Daily News on August 5, 1924. Of the more than 40 comic strips running at the time, Little Orphan Annie became the fourth to feature a female in a prominent role. Defying gender stereotypes, Annie quickly became a beloved and unexpected heroine, known for her many adventures solving crimes alongside her dog Sandy — often persevering through dangerous situations. By the 1930s, Little Orphan Annie was one of the most popular strips in syndication.
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"Purely as a character, there is a lot to admire and love," said Lombard Historical Society Executive Director Alison Costanzo. "That is the mere tipping point for Annie's relevance and why we created the 'Annie'-Versary. There is much to recognize historically and throughout popular entertainment. We hope to showcase the broad reach of Annie throughout the decades."
"Harold Gray resided in Lombard when he first created this iconic character," said Costanzo. "On behalf of everyone who embraced Annie in print and on the radio, and then later on the musical stage and big screen, it is our honor to welcome you to Lombard to celebrate Gray's masterful storytelling and the inspirational, wily ways of Little Orphan Annie."
The exhibition, "Leapin' Lizards 100 Years of Little Orphan Annie," showcases the life of Harold Gray and the rich history of Little Orphan Annie through artifacts from LHS collection and loaned artifacts and more. The exhibition will open to the public on April 27, 2024, in the Lombard Historical Society Carriage House, open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
In addition to the exhibition, there will be several exciting activities. One of the many events will be a house walk featuring the homes that Gray lived in during his time in Lombard. Explore these historic locations, including one in the 200 block of South Stewart and an Italianate-style home on North Main Street. While these are private residences today, the Lombard Historical Society, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Lombard, invites you to join us for a special tour on June 22, 2024. Discover the history of these homes and the neighborhoods they are a part of!
"We're excited to show how big Annie is and to talk about her history," said Rae Slowik, Education, and Collections Manager. "Lombard is not a footnote in her story. It is a big part of the cartoon."
In addition to events throughout the year, the Lombard Historical Society is planning a special series of events to celebrate her birthday from July 30, 2024, to August 4, 2024. This will include an "Annie"-themed art activity at the Sheldon Peck Homestead, an outdoor screening of the 1982 "Annie" film at Lilacia Park, and conclude with a birthday party on Maple Street.
For information on the Lombard Historical Society, the exhibition, "Annie"-Versary events, tickets, and more, please visit lombardhistory.org.
I had the opportunity to preview the exhibit before it opened to the public! It was a really unique and fascinating experience. Check it out here:
