Eva Tanguay in Costume, circa 1911-1920

Since the late 19th century, millions have flocked to Midtown Manhattan in New York City to find Broadway; along this famed street, you might find yourself transported to a Ukrainian village, the plains of Oklahoma, or a magical land filled with soul music. American musical theater has a long history and a canon of classics that have become known worldwide and can be explored by looking through some of the show programs found in the collections of The Henry Ford.

Eva Tanguay, the "I Don't Care Girl," was a showstopper—one of vaudeville’s most charismatic stars. Her bold, self-confident songs symbolized a new, emancipated American woman.