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Event & Conference Details
Spring Speaker Series: Don Jay Smith - Thomas Nast: Is the Controversy Justified?
June 1, 2014 |
The exhibit “Controversies” presents challenging subject matter that inspires people to consider, or reconsider, the ways in which they think about important and frequently debated issues: medical experimentation, immigration, and the right to die. This spring Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) is presenting a speaker series in conjunction with the exhibit, taking place on the first Sunday of each month through June. The exhibit explores local history events which had national significance: the Antoine LeBlanc murder trial and public execution; the immigration issues of the late nineteenth century as depicted by political cartoonist Thomas Nast, a Morristown resident, and the 1976 Karen Ann Quinlan “right to die” case.
On Sunday June 1st Don Jay Smith will present “Thomas Nast: Is the Controversy Justified?” When Thomas Nast died in 1902, the New York Times eulogized him as the “Father of the American Political Cartoon” a title earned no doubt because of his scathing political caricatures of Boss Tweed and New York City’s Democratic political machine at Tammany Hall. As a Morristown resident for many years, Nast qualified for the New Jersey Hall of Fame and was nominated for induction three times. When he appeared on the ballot for the Class of 2012, the New Jersey Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians protested vigorously because of the way he depicted Irish immigrants. This talk will explore that protest, Nast’s depiction of Irish and other immigrant groups and the historical context for his political cartoons.
Don Jay Smith has more than 35 years of nonprofit experience, most recently as Executive Director for the New Jersey Hall of Fame. In addition to his six years with the NJHOF, he has consulted for numerous non-profit arts & cultural clients. He is a co-producer of the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival, and serves on the New Jersey 350 Anniversary Committee under the auspices of the New Jersey Historical Commission.
Following the presentation visitors can view the exhibit, including the Nast engraving “The Ignorant Vote Honors Are Easy” which was printed in Harper’s Weekly in 1876, and consider the issues raised. Where most exhibits typically provide detailed information about the objects on view, “Controversies” offers limited information about the objects, essentially forcing personal thought, and inspiring discussion, about the areas represented. Curator’s books of information drawn from primary sources within the exhibit include news articles, contemporary commentary, and images. Visitors are encouraged to interact and leave comments about the themes presented.
“Controversies” is on view during Museum touring hours through June 2014. Please note the subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences. Visitor discretion advised. For more information about the speakers in the “Controversies” series who present on the first Sunday of the month through June, visit maccullochhall.org. Information on a second series of programs, celebrating the 350th New Jersey Anniversary which take place on the second Sunday of each month through June, is also available on the website.
Tickets for Sunday programs go on sale from 1pm on the day of the program, no advance sales, and remain on sale until the presentation begins at 4:30pm. The upstairs gallery exhibits “Thomas Nast Brings Down Boss Tweed,” and “Made in New Jersey: A Celebration of Decorative and Fine Arts” will remain open until 4:30pm, with the “Controversies” exhibit closing at 3:30 pm in preparation for the program. Tickets to hear speakers are Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 admitted free. Speaker tickets include admission to a docent-led period room tour for visitors who sign up during the afternoon. The last tour ticket is sold at 3pm.
MHHM 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. MHHM is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour ticket is sold at 3pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens at MHHM are open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm unless posted otherwise. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org find us on Facebook. MHHM, 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 Ave
Morristown, NM 07960 |
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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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