The Legacy Continues
Narrated by Museum Director Andrea Malcomb
THE LEGACY OF MARGARET BROWN
When thinking about what makes Margaret Brown extraordinary, perhaps it is how, time and again, her instincts drove her to care for those affected by crisis, then seek justice by speaking out publicly and raising funds.
Before the Titanic disaster, the press called the ship unsinkable. After the disaster, they called Margaret unsinkable due to her determination, perseverance, faith, and kindness - and that nickname “unsinkable” has endured. Margaret Brown died in 1932. Obituaries recounted a full life dedicated to humanitarian and social justice causes as a community leader and activist.
After her death, the legends grew due to newspaper articles, then books, then a play, then movies. While these fictional accounts of her life are inaccurate, they sparked interest in preserving her home, the House of Lions. “MOLLY BROWN” is a name she never used during her life, but instead given to her by journalists and playwrights who obscured the true story of an outspoken and independent woman.
HOUSE OF LIONS TO HISTORIC DENVER
Historic Denver Preservation Ad 1971
Also after her death, 1340 Pennsylvania Street became a boarding house, an apartment building, and, after Art Leisenring purchased it in 1958, rooms for rent for ‘men only.’ Thanks to the movie The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Art knew of the house’s history and its famous owner, “Molly” Brown. He collected a scrapbook and other things to help tell this story, and then helped found Historic Denver, Inc. to preserve the home when his ownership came to an end. His grassroots community work sparked a citywide preservation movement still going strong today.
And today we also know that she wasn’t called “Molly” Brown during her lifetime, but that Margaret and J.J. Brown left a lasting legacy for Colorado and we might say, the world. We hope that you are inspired by this story, as it shows the powerful impact helping others can have on a community and how it is possible for each one of us to leave a lasting legacy.
HOW CAN YOU BE A CHAMPION FOR THE CAUSES THAT MATTER
MOST TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY?
