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Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect

Tuesday, March 28th, 2023
louise bethune

The University Archives is pleased to announce a new exhibition, Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect, currently on display in UB Special Collections, 420 Capen Hall on UB’s North Campus.

This exhibition celebrates Buffalo-based architect Louise Blanchard Bethune, FAIA, the first professional woman architect in the United States and the first woman elected to the American Institute of Architects. Louise Bethune’s many residential, commercial, and educational projects include Lockport Union High School, the Buffalo Livestock Exchange, the 74th Regiment Armory, and the historic Hotel Lafayette. Bethune’s life and work, both as an architect an advocate for women in the profession, are highlighted in this exceptional exhibition.

Inspired by the book, Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect, by Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, LEED®AP, Director of University at Buffalo Campus Planning, the exhibition features the Zina Bethune Collection on Louise Bethune.  Departments and institutions that are lending items to the exhibit are the Costume Shop, UB Department of Theatre and Dance; the Fabrication Workshop, UB School of Architecture and Planning; The Rare Book Room at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library; The FTT Historic Costume and Textile Collection at SUNY Buffalo State University; and the New York State Museum.

The exhibit is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and will remain on display until January 2024.

Group tours and visits can be arranged outside of those hours by contacting University Archives.

For additional information visit the UB Libraries website, https://library.buffalo.edu/bethune/ or explore our research guide, https://research.lib.buffalo.edu/Bethune