Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Prima Ballerina Maria Tallchief

The United States Mint, the National Women’s History Museum, and Lyric Opera of Chicago invite you to join us for a special evening celebrating Prima Ballerina Maria Tallchief and the launch of the new quarter in her honor.

This inspiring program, hosted by Bill Kurtis, will include a panel discussion, remarks by special guests, including Katherine Harvey and Maria Tallchief’s daughter, Elise Paschen, and performances by Joffrey Ballet students and artists from Lyric’s Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center.

Discussion Panelists:

• Jennifer Herrera, Vice President of External Affairs, National Women’s History Museum
• Larry Kaplan, Co-Author, Maria Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina
• Kristie McNally, Deputy Director, United States Mint

Moderated by Mary Smith, member of the National Women’s History Museum Board of Directors and president of the American Bar Association.

In 1942, at the age of 17, Maria Tallchief moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer. With luck, grit and determination she joined the famed Ballet Russe Monte Carlo as an apprentice and moved quickly through the ranks, dancing first in the corps de ballet and later performing leading roles. In George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet, Tallchief achieved her goal of becoming America’s prima ballerina, the first Native American artist to achieve the rank.

Join us as we celebrate the latest release in the American Women Quarters™ Program, the first circulating coin program dedicated to honoring women whose achievements, triumphs and legacies reflect the strength, perseverance, and resiliency of our nation.

Space is limited, please register in advance for this free event.

Valet parking will be available on site for $35.  Click here for additional information about parking and directions.