Image of Gertrude Ederle, courtesy of Dover Museum
An exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of Gertrude Ederle's historic achievement as the first woman to swim the English Channel opens today - with the swimmer's family attending a special preview event at Dover Museum.
A century after Ederle’s remarkable crossing in 1926, this exhibition celebrates her courage, determination and enduring influence on women’s sport and the history of open-water swimming.
Known as the "Queen of the Waves" in newspaper reports of the day, and as Trudy or Gertie to family and friends, Ederle remains one of the most celebrated female figures in the history of channel swimming.
The exhibition showcases objects, a collection of photographs and memorabilia that bring Ederle’s extraordinary accomplishment to life for a new generation.
The Ederle family travelled from the United States to Dover to commemorate the anniversary and were invited to a private viewing of a collection of photographs, not previously on public display, and the exhibition before it officially opened to the public.
The exhibition runs from 6 August to 7 November 2026.
Cllr Susan Beer, Chairman of Dover District Council who officially opened the exhibition, said: "We were delighted to welcome Gertrude Ederle's family to Dover as we mark the centenary of her extraordinary achievement. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire Channel swimmers from around the world who come to Dover to take on this iconic challenge.
"This exhibition celebrates Gertrude's remarkable legacy, and we hope it will inspire a new generation of open-water swimmers and visitors alike."
Mary Ward, née Ederle, Getrude Ederle’s niece, said: “For our family, it is incredibly moving to be in Dover and to see Trudy’s achievement being honoured and celebrated 100 years later.”
Bill Morrison, Gertrude Ederle’s nephew, said: “We are deeply grateful that her story continues to inspire people around the world, and we feel honoured to be part of these centenary commemorations.”
Notes
As part of the wider centenary celebrations, Dover Lifeguard Club is organising the Gertrude Ederle 100th Anniversary Swim in Dover Harbour on 31 August.
For event information, see www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
For information about Dover Museum, see www.dovermuseum.co.uk
Bill Morrison and Mary Ward viewing the exhibition.
Mary Ward viewing the exhibition with family members and Hannah Hubert from the Trudy Ederle Foundation.
Members of the Ederle family with Dover Museum Collections' Manager Catherine Holt (centre).
Members of the Ederle family viewing a private collection of photographs, not previously on public display.
Posted on 06 August 2026