Ribbon Cutting for New Museum at 'The Kate'

OLD SAYBROOK – The official grand opening of the Katharine Hepburn Museum took place on Monday. The sparkling new museum is located on the lower level of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (“the Kate”).

The museum is dedicated to one of Connecticut’s most celebrated residents, and offers an authentic view of the cultural and historical impact of Hepburn and her family.

Senator Richard Blumenthal attended the ribbon cutting to present a certificate of recognition to representatives of the cultural center. Executive Vice President of the Board of Trustees Lisa LeMonte Board Vice President is WTNH anchor Ann Nyberg.
While closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kate had the opportunity to renovate the Katharine Hepburn Museum in 2021. The new exhibits feature photos, home movies, clips from her film and television work, and even her 1975 Primetime Emmy Award.
The museum also has on display costume and wardrobe pieces – with plenty of pants - and two of her paintings, including a self-portrait. This fascinating collection of personal memorabilia also includes a photo of one Hepburn’s appearances at the American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut that burned to the ground in January of 2019.

There aren’t many museums that can claim to have a bathtub in their collection, but the Kate has secured a white bathtub from the Hepburn summer home in Fenwick, Connecticut which was devastated in the hurricane of 1938.
One of the most special elements in the Kate’s collection are several dozen letters Miss Hepburn wrote to her family during the early years of her career. These letters tell of important career choices, offer commentary on current events, and express how much she missed being with the family in Fenwick.
“Part of the Kate’s mission is to uphold Miss Hepburn’s legacy and share her story,” said Brett Elliott, executive director of the Kate, at the ribbon cutting on Monday. “We are privileged to be able to exhibit pieces from our collection and look forward to welcoming visitors to the new space.” Elliot expressed his gratitude to Senator Blumenthal for the shuttered venues grant that helped the Kate to survive. The executive director stated that 44,000 tickets were sold during the last season and that through a grant, the hours of the museum have been expanded.
The building that houses both the theater and the museum is owned by the town of Old Saybrook, so First Selectman,Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., who called the cultural arts center “a fixture on Main Street” and thus very good for the town, was on hand to encourage visitors to the area.
Director of Development & Community Relations Robin Andreoli worked hard on getting the museum completed. Museum Coordinator Elise Maragliano was in the museum after the ribbon cutting answering the questions of patrons.
Video cameras representing all the state’s television stations were there to record the press conference and the ribbon cutting ceremony indoors.
Programming is eclectic, offering something for all ages and income levels on the shoreline. The Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award is given by the Kate to an individual who embodies the bold spirit, fierce independence, and distinctive character of the legendary actress. It is presented annually at the summer Gala, the Kate’s largest fundraising event.
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (“the Kate”) is located at 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, and is very easy to find thanks to helpful brown street signs.
The museum and gift shop are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and one hour prior to performances. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. For more information, visit www.thekate.org or call 860-510-0473.