A Special Women’s History Month Tribute: Margaret Widdemer

Women’s History Month in Asbury Park is a time to celebrate the legacy of Margaret Widdemer… wait, what, WHO? The popular novelist and poet of the early 20th century was a friend to the famous and infamous; an early winner of the Pulitzer Prize… and a proud daughter of Asbury Park, the community that played a major role in her novels and short fiction. On Sunday, March 26, the APHS welcomes Professor Stanley Blair of Monmouth University back to The Stephen Crane House, for a special tribute to this often overlooked “lady of letters” that explores her amazingly deep connections to “The Park” and surrounding towns. Featured in the 3:00 p.m. program will be film clips from a woman-directed silent screen adaptation of one of Widdemer’s novels, and a reading from the author’s words by actor Sandra “Sam” Lavallee McLaughlin. It’s a tie-in to “Trailblazing Women of Asbury Park,” the Asbury Park Museum’s “pop-up” exhibit currently on display the AP Public Library… as well as a great opportunity to get acquainted with (and learn some fascinating things about) “The Dream Lady” of The Park, The Grove, and The Lake. Crane House doors open at 2:30 p.m. for the 3 p.m. program, with complimentary refreshments served, and a suggested donation of $10 taken at the door.