Special Fashion Exhibit, “Hidden Gems: Fashioning A Legacy,” to Open March 15

In celebration of Pearl S. Buck International’s 60^th anniversary in 2024, a special two-month limited exhibit, Hidden Gems: Fashioning A Legacy, will open March 15 in the Conference Center on the grounds of the historic Pearl S. Buck Estate, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944. 

This exhibit will showcase the best representations of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, humanitarian, and activist Pearl S. Buck’s personal style through her intact collection of American and Asian fashion, jewelry, shoes, handbags, hand fans, gloves, and associated archival material. A woman well ahead of her time, Ms. Buck had a distinctive style. She had the opportunity to live in two vastly distinct cultures and carefully chose clothing and accessories to represent the two halves of herself and her life.

The fashions exhibited will also be used as the vehicle to tell the story of Pearl S. Buck International’s work and impact since 1964. Visitors will learn not just about Ms. Buck’s unique personal style and that of American women in the early 20^th century but will understand the impact the foundation has had over 60 years and how they can continue Ms. Buck’s humanitarian, cross-cultural, and educational legacy. 

Pearl S. Buck was a writer, activist, and humanitarian. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Literature for her novel, The Good Earth, and the Nobel Prize in Literature for her body of work. Ms. Buck used the spotlight on her to shine a light on the plight of marginalized people everywhere and to advocate for the civil rights movement in the U.S. She also founded Welcome House (the world’s first international biracial adoption agency) and established The Pearl S. Buck Foundation (now Pearl S. Buck International) to provide international humanitarian aid. 

Pearl Buck’s personal make up, jewelry, receipts, awards, and other artifacts will be featured within the exhibit as they relate to events the outfits were worn for with a focus on Ms. Buck’s and Pearl S. Buck International’s humanitarian and activism work since 1964. 

A special exhibit preview night for Pearl S. Buck International members will be March 14. Tickets will be available soon. For more information, go to https://pearlsbuck.org/hidden-gems/.  

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Pearl S. Buck International^® provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark Home. 

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