From Playboy Bunny to museum exhibit: 'Candid' Candace Jordan's journey to Chicago History Museum

‘Candid’ Candace Jordan makes ‘history’! In my wildest dreams, I would’ve never thought I would land in a museum exhibit. Can you imagine a small-town girl, just seeking more excitement, would find herself in the Chicago History Museum?

My goal, when I was invited to come to Chicago with Playboy, was to find adventure- something more interesting than what I found in my own backyard. As I climbed the ranks through Playboy-from Bunny to Centerfold to Covergirl - I collected a treasure trove of memorabilia that formed the backdrop and memories of my life.

This collection has now been acquired by the Chicago History Museum and includes, among other items: Bunny of the Year trophies, Playboy Bunny handbooks (how to do the Bunny dip!), a rule book for Playmates/ Bunnies living in the Chicago Playboy Mansion, my silver lamé Bunny of the Year costume, the invitation to Hef’s funeral in L.A., my union membership, a Playboy Covid-19 facemask with my 1979 cover on it, a 1976 Playboy Bunny of the Year Pageant program, a large poster advertisement with my image on it for key club sales and hundreds of images.

How did this all come about? My Playboy memorabilia was featured on a segment of the PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. (See Roadshow segment here) Appraiser Laura Woolley was very, very kind to me and my collection (calling it the “most complete she’s ever seen”), so I came away from the experience on cloud nine.

As it happened, this popular segment went viral, playing around the world! It caught the attention of Jessica Pushor, Chicago History Museum curator, who reached out to me, along with Michael Anderson (VP for External Engagement & Development), asking if I would be willing to part with it for the museum.

We went back and forth for over a year before I decided. Remember, this was a big part of my life and who I am, so I wasn’t anxious to part with it. But, after accepting that I can’t “take it with me,” I realized the significance of this opportunity - for many reasons.

Of course, I'm honored and deeply flattered—and truly, what better place for these treasures than Chicago, where Playboy was born? Also, the museum’s current Playboy collection could definitely use a boost. My donation not only makes the Chicago History Museum the only museum in the world with this caliber of Playboy pieces, but it also marks the first time a Bunny/Playmate is featured in a major museum exhibition. I can’t help but think Hef would be very proud, especially since it’s in Chicago where he was born.

When this exhibit finally opens, I hope it will be embraced with open arms—just as I was made to feel special by Hugh Hefner himself. He had a remarkable way of making the Bunnies and Playmates feel cherished—as if we were part of his grand vision, not just figures in a magazine. That feeling—a flash of pride, excitement and belonging—will stay with me always, with or without the physical items. What truly matters is that moment in time, forever etched in my heart.

And I haven’t given EVERYTHING away- so, there’s that. 😊 (See video of the collection here)