'Beyond Camelot.' Jacqueline Kennedy exhibit coming to Canton's First Ladies Historic Site

• A new exhibit about the life of iconic First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy opens May 2.
• The exhibit is titled, "Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis."
• The exhibit features artifacts donated by Monte Durham of the television show "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta."

CANTON − Jacqueline Kennedy is the rock star of first ladies.

Aura, mystique and intense curiosity surround her life and role during the presidency of John F. Kennedy − a brief, hopeful, ambitious and ultimately tragic era in American history that continues to fascinate authors, historians and people today.

The intrigue, glamour and significance of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis will be chronicled and honored in a new exhibit opening May 2 at the National First Ladies Library in downtown Canton.

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Running through April 27, 2024, "Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" is being presented by the National First Ladies Library. The exhibit features never-before-seen artifacts donated by Monte Durham , who has served as fashion director for the television show, " Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta " and is owner of Salon Monte in Alexandria, Virginia.

Monte Durham of 'Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta' will be in Canton

The exhibit will kick off with a private and exclusive "first look" champagne reception featuring Durham from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 1 at the National First Ladies Library, 205 Market Ave. S.

Tickets to the event with Durham cost $125, plus fees, and are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-camelot-first-look-champagne-reception-with-monte-durham-tickets-605028234737 .

The exhibition will open to the public at 9 a.m. on May 2 with curator-led tours.

"Through intimate letters, awe-inspiring reproduction dresses, and vintage ephemera, 'Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' will explore the layers of Jackie’s life, from her role as a mother to her position as first lady," said a prepared statement from the National First Ladies Library and First Ladies National Historic Site . "Go beyond the White House and learn about Jackie’s life, from her days as a 'camera girl' to her late career as a book editor at Doubleday.

"Experience Jackie through her number-one fan, Monte Durham, as he shares the intimate stories revealed by his collectibles," the news release said. "Hear tales beyond the history books, from the Mona Lisa loan to the White House kindergarten classroom."

Jackie's wedding gown is centerpiece of exhibit

A centerpiece of the exhibit is a reproduction of Kennedy’s wedding gown created by a couture wedding dress designer. The original dress is too delicate to display and is currently preserved at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The dress highlights the contributions of African-American dress designer Ann Lowe, who created Jackie’s wedding gown, the National First Ladies Library said.

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“I have loved everything Jackie Kennedy for many years,” Durham said in a prepared statement. “This is an incredible opportunity to share with the world something so important to me. I have enjoyed collecting ‘Jackie’ artifacts and memorabilia for many years, and the donation of a substantial portion of my collection to the National First Ladies Library in Canton is a way to keep her memory alive."

Patty Dowd Schmitz, president and CEO of the First Ladies Library, said the museum is honored to showcase Durham's collection and host the reception.

“Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an extraordinary woman whose life and legacy extends far beyond her time as first lady," she said in the news release.

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