Macculloch Hall January 2015 Exhibits
January 14-29, 2015 |
This January there are three interesting exhibits at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) to enjoy every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoon. There is still time to see the 2014 Christmas season exhibit “Another Stocking To Fill: Antique Christmas Toys and Decorations” which features toys and ornaments from a century ago. This was the seventh year this special exhibit have been created through generous object loans from “Sign of the Tymes Antiques” Lafayette NJ and objects from local collector Barbara Silverstein’s collection. Enjoy this second floor exhibit
during touring hours through January 29th.
Visitors can also view illustrator Thomas Nast’s original Santa and Christmas images throughout the Museum’s galleries and period rooms. The Museum has the largest collection of Nast originals in the nation. 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 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. Nast’s Civil War images of battlefront and home front were powerful tools for bringing the war into people’s homes. While Thomas Nast was primarily a political cartoonist, he was perhaps proudest of his now-iconic image of Santa Claus. Portrayed as a jolly old elf riding high above the rooftops in his reindeer-drawn sleigh and filling each Christmas stocking “hung by the chimney with care,” Santa was inspired by the famous poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”, or “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, written by Clement
Clarke Moore in 1822.
Visitors can explore more of Thomas Nast’s work in the second floor gallery exhibit “The Civil War through the Eyes of 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 battle fronts; 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), “The Civil War through the Eyes of Thomas Nast” will be on exhibit through August 2015.
In the main gallery exhibition “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons” MHHM displays an important collection of rarely exhibited, virtually unknown works. Previously unpublished oil paintings and watercolors, rarely seen pencil sketches, pen and ink drawings, and original architectural elements from the artist’s home are among the objects presented in the exhibition. In addition to these and several never-before-exhibited pieces, some of Thomas Nast’s best-known characters will also be on display. Pencil sketches of Nast’s family from his early years as well as paintings he created toward the end of his life around 1900 will be on display. Nast worked with a variety of mediums as well as producing images not just of political life, but social as well. He drew images of famous people of the time as well as his own family life and enjoyed putting his own image down on paper as can be seen by the variety of self-portraits exhibited.
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. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit 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 attached:
Merry Christmas By Thomas Nast Appeared in Harper’s Weekly, January 3, 1885
Cover Illustration Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
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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 |
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