Gwen Verdon "Living Legend" medallion Library of Congress, 2000

Cast bronze circular medallion reading "Living Legend" first bestowed in April of 2000 to Gwen Verdon from the "Library of Congress" during its bicentennial celebration, having a fabric red, white, and blue neck ribbon. Housed within a custom-made mahogany square wooden box with dark blue felt interior lining.

Established during its bicentennial celebration in 2000, the Library of Congress' "Living Legend" award is selected by the Library's curators and subject specialists to honor artists, writers, activists, filmmakers, physicians, entertainers, sports figures and public servants who have made significant contributions to America's diverse cultural, scientific and social heritage. The professional accomplishments of the Living Legends have enabled them to provide examples of personal excellence that have benefited others and enriched the nation in a variety of ways.

"Library of Congress, Bicentennial, 1800 -2000, United States of America"

The Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon Collection was acquired by the Library of Congress in 1992 through a gift made by Gwen Verdon.Bulk of Material Created: 1960-1987Physical Description: 133 linear feet, 328 boxes, 114 containersApproximate Number of Items: 54,840

Abstract: The Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon Collection documents the careers of two of the most notable stage performers of the American musical theater: choreographer, director, and dancer Bob Fosse (1927-1987), and dancer, actress, and singer Gwen Verdon (1926-2000). Contents Note Production and performance materials, including scripts and set designs; business and personal correspondence; business and personal papers; songbooks; music manuscripts and printed musical scores; choreographic notes; photographs and other visual material; posters; scrapbooks; sound recordings.

The Collection consists of production, project and performance materials, including scripts and set designs; business and personal papers and correspondence; songbooks, printed music scores and choreographic notes; photographs, posters and scrapbooks; and audiovisual materials. While the print materials are held by the Music Division, the Collection’s audio-visual materials are housed in the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division (MBRS). Prior to the gift, and since the death of Bob Fosse in 1987, Gwen Verdon served as the custodian of the Collection.

For more information about the Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon Collection visit: http://www.loc.gov