Barrymore and Bristol Exhibit
This special exhibit, on display at Linden Place in January and February 2026, honored the lives of Ethel Barrymore and her daughter Ethel Barrymore Colt Miglietta.
A series of vignettes in the mansion reflected a slice of American history told through the lens of these two extraordinary women who had a profound influence on Bristol and the American arts scene. Artifacts were on display from the archives of Linden Place, The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, and Blithewold Manor that connected the Barrymore story to beloved Bristol symbols such as the Pastime Theater, the 4th of July Parade, and Colt Farm.
In the early 1900s, Ethel Barrymore became an American idol. Nicknamed "The First Lady of the American Theater," her career spanned five decades with more than 60 theatrical productions and more than 35 films. An Academy Award winning actress, Barrymore married Russell Colt, son of Colonel Samuel P. Colt, in 1909. Ethel and Russell's daughter, Ethel Colt Miglietta, also made a name for herself as an acclaimed actress and singer, appearing in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's Follies and the televised production of Die Fledermaus. In 1960, Ethel Miglietta inherited one quarter ownership of Linden Place. While in residence, she taught lessons in the parlor on her grandfather's piano, sang with the choir at Mt. Carmel Church, and helped establish the Bristol Art Museum.
Enjoy a look inside this exhibit with this video walk through, led by volunteer docent and exhibit curator Lynn Smith and filmed by Danny Donator, Director of Photography and Head Editor of Noube Productions.
On February 12, 2026 held a concert using songs from the period 1920 through 1970 to tell the story of the connection of the Barrymore family to Linden Place and Bristol. Each song illuminated a chapter in the lives of the legendary actress Ethel Barrymore and her daughter Ethel Barrymore Colt Miglietta, a trained lyric soprano and the last family member to live in the mansion before its conversion to a museum. History came alive through the weaving Lynn Smith's narration with performances by Francis Gardner, Tristyn Sepersky, Cara Massey, and accompanist Samantha Prindiville. The recording of this concert, filmed by Alex Watrous, can be viewed online here.
Thank you to our partners!
We are grateful for the partnership and support of Blithewold, the Bristol Art Museum, Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, Rogers Free Library and the Smith Family Fund in the creation of this exhibit and its related programming. A special thank you to Noube Productions and Danny Donator for the creation of the exhibit video.