Programs & Exhibits

Program Recap: Costume as Character

March 18, 2026

by Rebeca Miller

This program took place at 7:00pm on March 12, 2026 at the Center for Jewish History.

We thank our program partners Emily Hacker and Melissa Hacker, and all our event sponsors: The Austrian Cultural Forum; The Fritz Ascher Society for Persecuted, Ostracized and Banned Art; The Kindertransport Association; The League of Professional Theatre Women; The Leo Baeck Institute; New York Women in Film & Television; United Scenic Artists – IATSE local 829; 1014 NYC, and 3GNY.

AJHS was honored to host “Costume as Character: Celebrating the Legacy of Ruth Morely.” Ruth was behind the iconic looks of several characters now considered legendary in cinema history. We welcomed Ruth’s daughters, Melissa and Emily Hacker, as well as panelists Deborah Nadoolman Landis (Costume Designer and Distinguished Professor at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television), and Susan Gammie (Emmy award-winning costume designer, protege and friend of Ruth Morley), with moderator Julie Salamon (New York Times best-selling author) for a discussion about Ruth Morley’s career and her impact on the field of costume design.

Gallery:

Photographer: HanJie Chow

Rebeca Miller

Rebeca is an experienced content creator, project manager and administrative assistant with a history of working in museums, interior design, e-commerce, and private equity. Additionally, she has worked as a museum educator and theatrical teaching artist for organizations across New York City. She specializes in producing and managing live events and performances. Rebeca holds a BFA with Honors from New York University, and an MA from Johns Hopkins University.