Glenn Museum celebrates Annie’s 100 birthday

The John & Annie Glenn Museum hosted a celebration for Annie Glenn’s 100th birthday Feb. 17 with an afternoon tea at the museum in New Concord. 

The tea honored Glenn’s “century of commitment, compassion, and courage.” Glenn was born Feb. 17, 1920 in Columbus, OH.

Glenn’s family moved to New Concord in 1923. She graduated from Muskingum College in 1942 with her music degree. She is known as an excellent organ player. Glenn also played the trombone.

Glenn was accepted into The Juilliard School of Music, but turned down the opportunity to marry John. The Glenns married on April 6, 1943. They have two children, David and Lyn. 

Glenn Museum Executive Director Dr. Barb Hansen helped organize the centennial celebration.

“It is just such a remarkable accomplishment to live to 100 years. We chose the theme with honoring a ‘century of commitment, compassion and courage’ because we think those three words so well describe aspects of Annie’s life,” said Hansen. 

Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler spoke during the event. She shared her experiences with Glenn.

“I had the opportunity to meet with Annie a few times before she moved to Minnesota and was always delighted with her interest in the world and the people around her,” said Hasseler. 

Members of the Muskingum University community sent a birthday card to Glenn. The university also shared web and social media posts commemorating her birthday.

Glenn had an 85% stutter. A video, “Out of Silence: The Annie Glenn Story,” was shown during the event that showcased Glenn and how she overcame her communication disorder.

“When John and I were married, I was meeting more people. I really wanted to talk and carry on conversations. John got very interested in finding someone or someplace I can go to,” said Glenn in the video. 

Glenn attended a 100-hour treatment course at Hollins Research Institute in 1973 for speech therapy, led by Ronald Webster. Glenn was one of the first 100 participants to complete the course.   

“We were to make a telephone call. I made one to John and he couldn’t believe it [regarding her progress]. I could tell it really touched him,” said Glenn. 

Glenn is an advocate for people with communication disorders and disabilities. She became the principle spokesperson for the National Association for Speech and Hearing Action. 

Glenn is an adoring mother and loves her family.  

Brenda Castor-Higgins and Jane Castor, family of Glenn, attended Monday’s tea. 

“We might have been in a big crowd [when John and Annie returned to New Concord for public events]. When they would come back there was always people that would want to see them. If she spotted any family, she’d go right to you,” said Castor-Higgins. 

“She said ‘there’s nothing like family,’” said Castor. 

Dr. Lisa Marshall, Associate Professor of Communication, conducted an interview with Lyn Glenn, John and Annie Glenn’s daughter, prior to the event. 

“It still is like a miracle to me that she was not only able to face her own stutter, but the National Association for Speech and Hearing Action named their award to people ‘The Annie’ after her. I think one of the qualities that many people have loved her for was that it brought an empathy and a compassion and acceptance, and forgiveness was just part of her nature. I think part of that was the suffering that she experienced,” said Lyn. 

Guests at the event included eight museum board of trustee members including Levi Shegog, Renee Coll, Barb Hansen, Clyta Young, George St. Clair, David Adams, Jeremy Morrow, and Bev Allen. 

 Also in attendance was Mayor Jennifer Lyle, who shared fond words about Glenn.

“The event was so beautiful. So filled with joy, companionship and celebration. Just the way it should be for an event like this. She is so gracious and kind and really cares about who she’s talking to in that moment. I’ll never forget that,” said Lyle. 

The John & Annie Glenn Museum, open May-October, is located at 72 W. Main Street in New Concord. For hours, admission prices and more about the Glenns, visit JohnGlennHome.org.