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| Event & Conference Details |
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Event & Conference Details
"Controversies" Exhibit Closing Sunday June 29th
June 18-29, 2014 |
Closing at the end of June, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum’s current exhibition, “Controversies“, opened new territory for the Museum, presenting challenging subject matter that may not be suitable for casual dinner conversation. This exhibit explores topics that helped shaped our world through local history events which had national significance: medical experimentation, immigration, and the right to die.
“Controversies” inspired people to consider, even reconsider, the ways in which they think about these important, frequently debated issues. The exhibit explores local history events which had national significance: the 1833 Antoine Le Blanc 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.
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. Each object and concept in the exhibit represents a part of New Jersey’s history —specifically Morris County’s history. The ideas expressed through the historical objects in the exhibit, however, are not confined to New Jersey boundaries— the significant concerns raised by the important and controversial issues showcased in this exhibit continue to be debated throughout the United States and the world.
“We wanted to give our visitors a chance to participate in an exhibit in a new way— to have a reaction without being guided by the institution’s interpretation of what the objects represent, which labels typically provide,” said Executive Director Carrie Fellows. Instead, curator’s books of supplementary information will be available within the exhibit, should the visitor want to learn more, drawn from primary sources like news articles, contemporary commentary, and images. Museum visitors have been asked to leave comments about the themes presented and those who visit during its final month of June will be able to see the discussion that has gone on over the course of the exhibit.
The exhibition was inspired when Fellows and Ryan C. Hyman, the Museum’s curator, heard Burt Logan, Executive Director of the Ohio Historical Society speak at a conference about the organization’s groundbreaking “Controversy: Pieces You Don’t Normally See” exhibit, and its sequel, “Controversy 2: Pieces We Don’t Normally Talk About”. During his talk, Mr. Logan strongly encouraged other museums to adapt the concept and develop similar exhibits. Inspired by the presentation, Hyman and Fellows began discussing how they might create an exhibit using themes from the Morris area’s rich history.
“Controversies” will be on view during Museum touring hours through June, closing at 4pm on June 29th. Please note the subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences. Visitor discretion advised. Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and up.
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.
Image: The Ignorant Vote ?Honors Are Easy, Thomas Nast, Engraving Harper’s Weekly, December 9, 1876. Collection of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown, NJ.
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Website:
www.maccullochhall.org |
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Macculloch Hall Historical Museum |
45 Macculloch Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960 |
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| Contact Information |
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Karen Hollywood |
| Email:
khollywood@maccullochhall.org |
| Phone:
973-538-2404 |
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