History

From its humble beginnings as the personal collection of Jennie Lee, the legendary tassel-twirler who first dreamed of a “Burlesque Hall of Fame” in the early 1950s, to its present-day incarnation as the world’s largest and most important archive of vintage Burlesque ephemera, The Burlesque Hall of Fame subsists almost exclusively via the generosity of individuals who recognize the importance of preserving the art, artifacts and traditions of this uniquely American art form.

It was Jennie’s wish that this institution not only honor Burlesque’s memory, but also its future. A founding member of the Exotic Dancers League, she was devoted to keeping “the girls” together. As such, in addition her dream of a world class museum, Jennie’s plans for the Hall of Fame included affordable housing  for retired dancers, as well as a school for aspiring stripteasers, who could train there alongside Burlesque’s remaining greats.

Unfortunately, Jennie passed away before she was able to see her dream realized. However, thanks to her dear friend and fellow entertainer, Dixie Evans, it was far from lost. In the years since her death in 1990, Dixie has not only taken up Jennie’s mantle, but expanded it; preserving and upholding the traditions of the art they shared, while bridging the gap between generations of performers and enthusiasts.