This new Northwestern University Archives exhibit shows how three Northwestern alumnae became early radio stars.

"Tune in Again: How Three Northwestern University Alumnae Created One of Radio's First Soap Operas" tells the story of the "Clara, Lu 'n' Em" radio show. The show ran from 1930-46 and was written and performed by three alumnae of Northwestern's School of Speech (now School of Communication). "Clara, Lu 'n' Em" was the first radio show written by women. Its midmorning timeslot and sponsorship by a manufacturer of dishwashing detergent made it the first "soap opera."

“Tune in Again” features scripts, news clippings, posters, photographs, audio, and artifacts from the show, received as a donation to the University Archives from “Em’s” family. While documenting the life of the program and its creators, the exhibit also illustrates how radio stations publicized their programs and how sponsors pushed their products. Audio wands give visitors the opportunity to listen in and laugh along with original broadcasts of Clara, Lu ‘n’ Em programs.

The exhibit runs through 21 March 2014 at Northwestern University’s Deering Library in Evanston. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Special tours can also be arranged by contacting archives@northwestern.edu.

Additional information and hours are available at http://www.library.northwestern.edu/news-legacy/2014/february/meet-clara-lu-n-em.