The Greatest Story Ever Worn: Levi’s® 150 Years of Denim, Culture and Innovation

Step into the riveting history of Levi Strauss & Co. in this unforgettable talk at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation. Join Levi’s historian and archivist Tracey Panek as she unpacks 150+ years of denim innovation, cultural impact, and iconic storytelling—from the California Gold Rush to Beyoncé’s Coachella stage. Discover how a tiny metal rivet revolutionized workwear, why Levi’s jeans became a global symbol of freedom, and how real-life stories—from miners to musicians—have shaped the brand’s legacy. 📍 Filmed at the Charles River Museum, Waltham, MA 🎙️ Featuring: Tracey Panek, Levi Strauss & Co. Historian 🗓️ Event Date: March 26, 2025 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Video -The origin of Levi’s during the California Gold Rush - How a rivet changed fashion history - Levi’s deep ties to New England’s textile industry - Stories behind iconic Levi’s wearers—from miners to Beyoncé - The evolution of denim and the 501® jean - How Levi’s branding and storytelling built a timeless brand - The cultural symbolism of jeans across generations and continents Discover more about our partner here: https://www.charlesrivermuseum.org/ GBH Forum Network ~ Free online lectures: Explore a world of ideas Like us: https://www.instagram.com/gbhforumnetwork/ https://www.facebook.com/gbhforumnetwork/ Tweet with us: https://twitter.com/GBHForumNetwork See our complete archive here: https://www.wgbh.org/forum-network