On September 10, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, the Westport Historical Society presents “The Myth of Miss America: Not Just Another Pretty Face” talk with Author Penny Pearlman.
Westporter Pearlman, author of the triple-award winning Pretty Smart: Lessons from our Miss Americas, will talk about the history of the Miss America Pageant, the controversies surrounding the pageant and why Miss America is still iconic in American culture. Sharalyn Donlan, Miss Connecticut 2009, and Morgan Amarone, Miss Connecticut 2011, will share their experiences in participating in the Miss America pageant.
The Miss America Pageant, started in 1921 by Atlantic City businessmen as a marketing ploy, has evolved from just a beauty contest into one that strives to provide young women with opportunities to stretch themselves in numerous directions. Many people don’t see beyond the swimsuit competition. They think you can’t be beautiful and smart. This complicated mix of beauty and brains has always been a contradiction in American Society which often dismisses the possibility of being both.
Sponsors for this event are Berchem, Moses & Devlin PC ; Sachs Walsh Insurance; and Catamount Wealth Management.
Reservations required, 203-222-1424, $10 donation.