Perle Mesta

Perle Mesta, date unknown. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives.

Perle Mesta defied societal conventions of the time, wielding social and political influence in Washington, D.C. during the mid-twentieth century. Perle was a major political fundraiser and organized lavish parties attended by congressmen, senators, entertainers, and artists. She was active in the National Women's Party and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. At the peak of her career, she was appointed to serve as the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg, appeared on a cover of TIME Magazine, and was the inspiration for the musical Call Me Madam.

Despite the significant lengths of time she spent on the East Coast and abroad, Perle greatly cherished her home state of Oklahoma. Upon her passing, her brother donated funds to establish Perle Mesta Park in Oklahoma City. The surrounding homes now make up the historic Mesta Park neighborhood. 

This exhibit details the life and accomplishments of Perle Mesta, an independent woman ahead of her time.