(Bartlesville, OK) A progressive, independent and educated women and a successful architectural superstar fall in love. That almost sounds like a headline out of a romance novel, but this is a real story with a true tragic ending in 1914. On Wednesday, August 15 at Price Tower, 510 Dewey Ave. in downtown Bartlesville, Okla., Michelle M. Martin, historian and living history interpreter will personify Frank Lloyd Wright’s mistress, Martha “Mamah” Borthwick Cheney (1869 - 1914).

“The inspiration for this event is the anniversary of her death on August 15, 1914 – nearly 98 years ago,” said Scott Perkins. “We hope that this will become an annual event that will draw Wright enthusiasts, historians and the general public to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal life and how it impacted him emotionally, psychologically, and historically beyond his fame as an architect.”

The plot for the story surrounding Wright and his mistress Mamah is interesting and adventurous but most people today don’t know either personality or the details of their journey together. Martin will personify Borthwick Cheney as she reflects on her childhood, education, romance with Wright, and “ripped from the headlines” murderous death.

Martin notes her favorite aspect of Mamah Borthwick Cheney is that she “managed hold on to her core values and beliefs.  She found purpose in life besides marriage and children, for that time period a lot of women didn’t have that as an option.” 
It was not considered proper for a woman to have a job in the early 20^th century, but she embraced women’s rights and became an interesting symbol in the feminist movement. 

“She is strong, determined, intelligent, and she was able to maintain her own independent identity - even through a scandalous divorce with two children,” adds Martin.
Mamah Borthwick Cheney’s life and relationship with Wright continues to be a source of fascination and interest just as it was during the early 1900s.
 
Martin, a Galesburg, Michigan native has taught history at Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott Community College, and Rogers State University, Bartlesville. As a living history interpreter, Martin brings historical characters to life, basing her stories upon factual accounts in newspapers, letters, and biographies of her subjects.
“Frank Lloyd Wright had quite a life story and Mamah Borthwick Cheney’s chilling death is a part of that. Anyone interested in a step back in time, to a great love affair, a woman’s perspective on Wright, and a bit of drama, shouldn’t miss this event,” said Tim Boruff, executive director of Price Tower Arts Center.

For those who are interested in learning in-depth about Frank Lloyd Wright and his relationship to Mamah Borthwick Cheney the books Loving Frank and Death in a Prairie House: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Murders can be purchased in advance or following the performance in The Wright Place museum store on the first floor of the Price Tower.

The show will begin at 6pm in the museum galleries on the first floor and last for about 45 minutes.

Cost for the event will be $15/public and $5/PTAC members. For additional information on Mamah Borthwick Cheney, Price Tower Arts Center and membership, call 918.336.4949 or visit the website at www.pricetower.org.