The Civil War through the Eyes of Thomas Nast
April 15 - May 21, 2015 |
Before radio, TV, or the internet, there was political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Nast
illustrated battles, Union and Confederate troop movements, and their activities
throughout the Civil War. He also captured the poignancy of those back home, who worried about their family members in combat. Nast covered both the
home and battlefronts; his work was the main source of information about the war for many people. His illustrations in publications like “Harper’s Weekly” brought the information about what was happening into the homes of the American public, the way mass media does today. Like all media agents, he not only depicted what was happening by reporting on the events taking place, but also created propaganda by trying to stir emotions and support for the Union side. Mounted to commemorate the final year of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011-2015), this second floor exhibit includes a number of these stirring images. “The Civil War through the Eyes of Thomas Nast” is on exhibit through December 2015.
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. Uncle Sam and Columbia, two of his favorite figures to draw, are still recognized as symbols for the United States of America. His spirit lives on 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, and Nast’s Civil War images of battlefront and home front were powerful tools for bringing the war into people’s homes.
One hundred and fifty years ago in April 1865, the sixteenth President of the United
Sates was assassinated. To honor the memory of President Abraham Lincoln, who
was shot on April 14th 1865, and died the following day, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents a case exhibit display of mourning and memorial badges that were produced to remember the fallen President.
The case, located in the center hall of the museum, will be available for viewing during regular touring hours through June 2015.
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 for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour leaves at 3pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum are open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm unless posted otherwise. Please check our website for any holiday closings. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. 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 |
45 Macculloch Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960 |
| Website:
www.maccullochhall.org |
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| Contact Information |
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Karen Hollywood |
| Email:
khollywood@maccullochhall.org |
| Phone:
(973) 538-2404 ext. 15 |
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