With the final showing of APRON CHRONICLES, I’d announced to the universe that my apron journeying days were at an end. The twenty years spent traveling America, gathering aprons, meeting storytellers and compiling their recollections had brought into my life an abundance of joy…surely enough to last the rest of my days. What I hadn’t anticipated was a latent pining for further apron journeying.

With the elements of the closed exhibit set aside, I visualized a new exhibit that would showcase the complexities of who we are as humans through 42 storytellers, vintage aprons and snapshots of apron-wearing women, men and children.

Introducing TIE ONE ON…an apron, of course! , a traveling exhibit which explores the human experience through a humble domestic icon.

Exhibit Informational Video:

Touring Testimonials:

December, 2022

Juniper Valley
11901 E Mississippi Ave
Aurora, CO 80012

“Memories lost, found, and made anew! On December 3rd, we began to decorate our cottages with clotheslines of aprons, courtesy of EllynAnne Geisel, whose exhibit, Apron Chronicles, traveled America for 16 years.

“Having collected hundreds of apron stories, what I know to be true,” she notes, “is the apron is a trigger to our memories and a connector to the generations before us. To many, aprons on a clothesline appear to be just that; but to me, the aprons are the guardians of storytelling and memories.”

With the holidays upon us, the clotheslines of aprons may be reminders of recipes, gifts, gatherings, and anecdotes. The second line strung is to hold the stories of our community, their family, and friends.

Pens, notecards, and clothespins are provided for your sharing. We hope you will enjoy tying one on (..an apron, of course!) and pin to the lines an apron memory of the past, as well as a memory in the making.”

November 10, 2021 – January 7, 2022

Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
1 Courthouse Square
Inverness, FL 34450   [Map]

“Hosting EllynAnne’s exhibit, Tie One On… An Apron of Course, was an absolute pleasure start to finish. The personal stories touched every one of our visitors. People of all ages and backgrounds came out of the exhibit excited to share their own apron stories and memories with staff, often with tears in their eyes. The aprons and what they represent really created a connection with our community that was a joy to see. We would highly recommend Tie One On to anyone looking for an meaningful and engaging exhibition for their institution.”

Lindsey G. Hinnrichs, Programming
Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
Inverness, FL

Mother’s Day 2023

Aging at 5280 sponsored Tie One On at The Gardens at Saint Elzabeth’s inn Denver, CO

“Residents loved the memories the aprons recalled. One resident said her mother had one of the same exact aprons that we had on display!”

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The exhibit comes from EllynAnne Geisel, of Apron Memories, who has been collecting aprons and the powerful stories they tell, for over 20 years! According to Geisel, “an apron memory isn’t a scholarly dissertation. It isn’t mired in dusty facts and details. It is a story of life and memory that engages and catches you up in the telling. The storyteller’s voices tap into our collective memories and experiences via universal themes, such as Gratitude, Wellness, Survival, Fortitude, Opportunity, Tradition, and Faith.”