Exhibit

American Drag

Person in drag wearing black wig, pearls, and red dress holds up powder puff.
Detail of program for San Francisco drag club, ca. 1945 (2022T-68), Harvard Theatre Collection, Harvard University.
Woman with short curly hair in top hat, waistcoat, and tailcoat.
Ella Wesner, ca. 1890, Theatrical cabinet photographs of women, ca. 1866-1929 (TCS 2), Harvard Theatre Collection, Harvard University.
A drag performer with long black and red hair, over-the-elbow black gloves, black dress, and chunky jewelry with her hands posed in front of her face.
Joey Arias, Joey Arias papers (MS Thr 1915), Harvard Theatre Collection, Harvard University.
Male impersonator in a brown suit and tie sings into microphone in front of a blue stage curtain.
Stormé DeLarverie, ca. 1960 (MS Thr 2083), Harvard Theatre Collection, Harvard University.
Person in drag wearing black wig, pearls, and red dress holds up powder puff. Woman with short curly hair in top hat, waistcoat, and tailcoat. A drag performer with long black and red hair, over-the-elbow black gloves, black dress, and chunky jewelry with her hands posed in front of her face. Male impersonator in a brown suit and tie sings into microphone in front of a blue stage curtain.

Sep 6, 2022 through Jan 6, 2023

Open to the public

Location

Edison and Newman Room, 1st Floor
Houghton Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
See All Hours

Drag involves altering one’s appearance and performing mannerisms associated with a particular gender, which is typically, but not always, different from the one with which the performer identifies. Over the course of the twentieth century, drag performance in the United States developed from something of a novelty act into an independent and impactful performance genre that permeated American culture.

This exhibition traces the evolution of American drag, calling attention to the ways in which it both reflected and inspired changing perceptions of femininity, masculinity, and sexuality. The photographs, ephemera, and other materials on display showcase the range of styles and talents that went into the making of modern drag and highlight the genre’s shifting and expanding appeal for American audiences.

This exhibition was curated by Matthew Wittmann, Curator of the Harvard Theatre Collection.

Planning to visit?

Houghton's exhibition spaces are open to all visitors; face coverings are recommended.

Special event: An evening with "Dr. Wang" Newton

**Rescheduled: Thursday, November 17, 6:00 PM**

Houghton Library hosts performance artist Wang Newton in an event that explores the world of male impersonation while engaging in a critical dialogue on the evolving dynamics of Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more and register

Join us for a tour!

Join exhibition curator Matthew Wittmann for a special guided tour of American Drag. This 45-minute tour will include discussion of the themes of the exhibition, highlights from the portraits on display, and ample time for participant questions.

Persons with disabilities who would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access may contact Houghton Library's Administrative Coordinator Le Huong Huynh at lehuong_huynh@harvard.edu or at 617-495-2443 at least 48 hours in advance of the tour.