Past Exhibitions

The Santa Monica History Museum was one of only five museums in the world chosen by Shirley Temple’s children to display their mother’s personal childhood collection in the Love, Shirley Temple exhibition prior to it being sold at auction. Within one week, our exhibition was viewed by over two-thousand people. A special VIP preview event was attended by members, the media, various local, city, and state officials and celebrities including former childhood stars, Jane Withers, Margaret O’Brien, Jerry Mathers and many others.

Starting February 2016, we will honor and celebrate Shirley Temple’s birthday each year with a special permanent exhibit. Our exhibition will feature a number of items won by our members (including Louise Gabriel, Bob and Nancy Ramsey, and Susan Gabriel-Potter) from Theriault’s auction. We are excited to display Temple’s prized iconic red polka dot dress from “Stand Up And Cheer”, the Good Ship Lollipop dress worn in “Bright Eyes”, several other film outfits, posters, her birth certificate, as well as photos of her with President F.D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Shirley Temple was born in Santa Monica on April 23, 1928. Her abundant talents as a singer, dancer, and actress made her a quick success in Hollywood. Once named “Little Miss Miracle” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for her ability to bring joy to the lives of millions, her films have been said to uplift the spirits of a nation in the midst of the Great Depression. Shirley Temple: Santa Monica’s Biggest Little Star was an exquisite tribute to her career and legacy.