Elsa Maxwell (1881-163) was the original “hostess with the mostess.” Credited with the introduction of the scavenger hunt and the murder mystery party, she rose to prominence through sheer will and found her fame hosting parties for the rich and famous in Europe and New York City. She believed a true, original idea would make for a better party than even the finest dining and champagne. Further Reading

• Inventing Elsa Maxwell
• R.S.V.P: Elsa Maxwell’s Own Story
• How to Do It or The Lively Art of Entertaining

All month, we're talking about Trendsetters: women whose vision, style, and willingness to break barriers changed culture — from what we wear to how we behave. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should. Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more.  Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.  Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, and Abbey Delk. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. 

Original theme music composed by Miles Moran. Follow Wonder Media Network:

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