Thomas Nast Brings Down Boss Tweed
August 4, 2013 - August 3, 2014 |
Opening on Sunday August 4th 2013 Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents a new exhibit “Thomas Nast Brings Down Boss Tweed”, in the second floor Thomas Nast Gallery. The exhibit will feature over twenty examples of the political cartoons Thomas Nast created attacking Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall.
Thomas Nast (1840-1902) is one of the most recognized names in the world of political cartoons. Often called the father of American political cartooning, Nast’s images remain popular today. His well-known depictions of the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant, conceived more than 100 years ago, continue to represent both parties today. Uncle Sam and Columbia, two of his favorite figures to draw, are still recognized as symbols for the United States of America. Nast’s battlefront and home front images drawn during the Civil War were powerful tools for bringing the war into people’s homes. His spirit lives on today through his iconic representations of Santa Claus. The classic images which Nast popularized of the jolly old elf still appear on a variety of surfaces each year during the holiday season.
The campaign that contributed most to Thomas Nast’s fame was the one he carried on so relentlessly against the Tammany Ring of New York in the 1870s. The target of Nast’s attack was “Boss” William M. Tweed (1823-1878), the political leader of New York City’s Tammany Hall. Tweed worked his way up from ward politician to become the most powerful political force in the city and state of New York. As head of the city’s Commission of Public Works, Tweed was in position to hand out lucrative contracts to his cronies who “kicked back” a major part of their receipts to the Ring. By appointing his Tammany Hall associates to key public offices, Tweed was able to prevent disclosure of his fraudulent activities.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open to tour the house, visit the gardens, and view exhibits on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The last tickets for tours are sold at 3 p.m. School tours, adult/senior tours and rentals may be scheduled by appointment. For more information, including holiday closings, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook or call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.
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Website:
www.maccullochhall.org |
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| Location Information |
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Macculloch Hall Historical Museum |
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
45 Macculloch Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960 |
| Website:
united states |
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| Contact Information |
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Karen Hollywood |
| Email:
khollywood@maccullochhall.org |
| Phone:
973-538-2404 |
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