A living history performance by Diana Brittain Thompson

The Spirit ofMolly Brown

The heroine of the Titanic. And that was the least interesting thing about her.

In Edwardian costume and full voice, Diana brings Molly's humor, nerve and determination into the room. It's a spirited story about courage, conviction and a woman who made her voice count.

About 45 minutesAudience Q&ASchools, museums and events
Diana Brittain Thompson as Molly Brown in a feathered Edwardian hat and lace collar

More than a Titanic story

A woman who used her voice.

Molly Brown is remembered as the outspoken survivor of the Titanic. Her real story is much bigger: a life shaped by bold choices, public purpose and a refusal to let convention decide what she could do.

The performance opens with the story people recognize, then widens the lens to the causes she fought for: miners' families, women's right to vote, a fair start for young people in trouble, and relief for people in need.

It leaves every audience with a bigger question. What can one person do when she decides to step forward?

The Spirit of Molly Brown logo: a navy hat with a gold feather and the Titanic on top

Her life in six moments

From Hannibal to the history books.

  1. 1867Born Margaret Tobin in Hannibal, Missouri.
  2. 1886Marries J.J. Brown in the mining town of Leadville, Colorado.
  3. 1894Moves to Denver, where her home is now the Molly Brown House Museum.
  4. 1912Survives the Titanic and raises more than $10,000 for fellow survivors aboard the rescue ship Carpathia.
  5. 1914Launches a run for the U.S. Senate, years before women could vote nationwide.
  6. LaterHonored by France with the Legion of Honor for her relief work there during World War I.

Dates from the Molly Brown House Museum.

What audiences take home

What does it take to make a difference?

01

Use your voice

Speaking up can change who gets heard and what becomes possible.

02

Put influence to work

Leadership means using access, persistence and relationships in service of something larger.

03

Keep your sense of humor

Conviction and wit travel well together, especially when the room expects you to be quiet.

A voice. A backbone. A sense of humor.

Bring Molly into the room

A memorable way to explore courage and leadership.

The performance can stand on its own or lead into questions and discussion. Diana takes questions as herself or stays in character.

Schools

Assemblies and classrooms studying Colorado history, women's history or the Titanic.

Museums and libraries

A featured program, or Molly walking among your visitors and chatting in character.

Keynotes and events

Conferences, luncheons, galas and community celebrations that want something unexpected.

Women's and civic groups

A natural fit for Women's History Month, leadership programs and service clubs.

In characterEdwardian costume, a transatlantic accent, and Molly's own wit.
Questions welcomeAudiences can ask Molly anything, or ask Diana about the real history.
Fitted to youDiana shapes the focus to your audience, theme and time slot.

A Denver story

Molly called Denver home. So does Diana.

Diana is a Denver based performer and educator, a former Theatre Education Director at the Children's Museum of Denver, and placed 11th in the world at the World Championship of Public Speaking. She brings Molly to schools, museums and events across Colorado and beyond.

Questions

Good to know.

How long is the performance?

About 45 minutes, followed by questions from the audience. Diana can adjust the length to fit your event.

Who is it for?

Students, families and adults. Diana tailors the story for school groups, museum visitors and grown-up audiences at conferences and community events.

Can Molly mingle with guests?

Yes. Molly can walk among your visitors and chat in character, which works well at museums, receptions and festivals.

Is it historically accurate?

The performance is grounded in Molly's real life and the causes she championed, told with humor and heart. Diana is happy to talk about the history afterward.

Let's work together

Invite Molly to your event.

Share your event, audience and date, and Diana will follow up about fit and logistics.

  • Schools and assemblies
  • Museums and libraries
  • Keynotes, luncheons and galas
  • Women's and civic groups
Diana Brittain Thompson[email protected]303-377-0785

Send Diana a note

Diana will reply within two business days.