Happy Birthday Martha Graham!
On this day in 1894 the revolutionary dancer and choreographer Martha Graham was born. She is largely responsible for modern dance as the art form we know today. Graham was an essential part of the early- to mid-century Village arts scene.
Gelatin silver print, printed c. 1940. 15 1/8 x 18 7/8 inches
© UC Regents
Barbara and Willard Morgan Photographs and Papers
UCLA Library Special Collections
In 2015 we unveiled one of our historic plaques in honor of her, with The New School, at 66 Fifth Avenue. That was where her company rehearsed and forged new performances in the 1930s and 40s. Here you can see photos and a video of the unveiling, and an article in The Villager.
The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded in 1926, is known for being the oldest American dance company. Long after Graham’s death in 1991 it has continued on, now located at 55 Bethune Street in Westbeth.
Our Historic Plaque Program highlights the incredible people, movements and history connected to sites all around us.
Each year we unveil two such plaques. Find out more about all our plaques at www.gvshp.org/plaque.
