The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened to the public May 1, 1923 as a memorial to Lauren Eastman Rogers following his untimely death in 1921 at age twenty-three from complications of appendicitis. Lauren was the only child of Nina Eastman and Wallace Brown Rogers and the only grandchild of Elizabeth Gardiner and Lauren Chase Eastman.
The founding mission of the Museum was to serve as an institution for the advancement of learning. Operating as the sole beneficiary of the Eastman Memorial Foundation, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art has flourished over the past 100 years, serving as a resource of cultural enrichment and educational opportunities for children and adults. LRMA continues to fulfill its founding mission “for the advancement of learning, the broadening of culture, the lifting of life to higher levels for the betterment of all people.”
In celebration of the Museum’s Centennial, the Eastman Memorial Foundation Board of Directors invites you to the following special events.
CHARLIE MARS in CONCERT
Saturday, April 29
6:00 – 8:00 pm
LRMA Front Lawn
Join us on the front lawn for a free concert by Laurel native Charlie Mars.
In the event of rain, the concert will be moved indoors.
MUSEUM BIRTHDAY PARTY
Sunday, April 30
2:00 – 4:00 pm
LRMA Front Lawn
Celebrate the Museum’s 100th birthday at this free family festival with hands-on art activities, community crafts, and of course…cake!
DEDICATION CEREMONY
Monday, May 1
1:30 pm
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Join us as we recreate the Museum dedication ceremony from 1923.
BEHIND-THE-SCENE TOURS
Tuesday, May 2
5:00 – 7:00 pm
First Trinity Presbyterian Church | 500 N. 5th Ave
Tanner Construction | 102 Ellisville Blvd.
Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of two of Laurel’s most beautiful buildings – First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, built in memory of Lauren Rogers, and the Eastman, Gardiner & Company Office Building, currently Tanner Construction.
CENTENNIAL CATALOGUE RELEASE & RECEPTION
Wednesday, May 3
1:30 pm
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Join us for a lecture by LRMA Curator Kristen Miller Zohn and release of the new Centennial Catalogue A Century of Collecting: American and European Paintings, Prints, and Sculpture at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.
MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday, May 4
7:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Laurel | 607 W. 5th St.
From church choir stands to the Billboard Charts, Mississippi Mass Choir has inspired millions with their powerful gospel music. Join us as the renowned choral group performs at the First Baptist Church.
HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOUR
Friday, May 5
10:30 am
Meets in Museum Lobby
Join Museum Director George Bassi for an engaging and informational walking tour of Laurel’s historical district as he traces the history and evolution of the city and some of it’s finest homes and structures.
CENTENNIAL SOIREE
Saturday, May 6
6:30 – 10:30 pm
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
In honor of it’s centennial, the Museum invites you to a lively evening of celebration in “Roaring ’20s” style. Advance ticket purchase required. Seating is limited.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 601-649-6374.
