Come On-A My House: Heather French Henry of The Rosemary Clooney House

14 Dec

Season 1, Episode 007

In This Episode

Episode Description:

Located at 106 Riverside Drive on the banks of the Ohio River in historical Augusta, Kentucky, The Rosemary Clooney House is a non-profit foundation focused on preserving the house that Rosemary called home for 20 years and shares Rosemary’s legacy with fans old and new through extensive memorabilia from her life and career. The home was a sanctuary and retreat between gigs for Rosemary, who was born in nearby Maysville, Kentucky.

The museum's origins trace back to 1999 when this month’s guest, Heather French Henry, was crowned Miss America 2000. She was the first Miss Kentucky to win the crown. Her second call that night was from another hometown Kentucky girl – Rosemary Clooney. Years later, following Clooney’s passing, Rosemary’s children approached Heather and her husband, former Kentucky Lt. Gov Dr. Steve Henry about purchasing the circa 1840 home.

The Rosemary Clooney House officially opened in 2005 and is now a museum showcasing Clooney's costumes, including pieces and memorabilia from all her major films – The Stars Are Singing, Here Come the Girls, Red Garters, and White Christmas. It’s the home of the largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia in the world, with costumes worn by Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes, and George Chakiris. In addition to the nearly 200 pieces in White Christmas collection, the museum houses collections dedicated to Rosemary’s film and music career.