A Fine Collection: Treasures from the Vault
Through June 30, 2013
See vivid examples of the antique Oriental rug collection complemented by textbook examples of fine porcelain, silver, glass, and furniture collected by Museum founder, W. Parsons Todd. See unpublished and little-known examples from the Museum’s Presidential Collection, including letters penned by some of early America’s founding mothers and fathers. The exhibit has a perimeter layout which leaves the center of the room open for a series of speakers and musical programming. On view during touring hours in the main (first floor) gallery.
Thomas Nast: President Maker and Campaign Breaker
Through June, 2013
“Another Such Victory” Collection of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
With the Presidential campaign, election and January inauguration still in the news, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents this topical exhibit. The exhibit illustrates the six presidential campaigns for the twenty year period from 1864 through 1884. On view during touring hours in the Nast Gallery.
American Heroes in Bronze: The Artwork of James E. Kelly
Through October 31, 2013
Sheridan’s Ride. James Kelly (1855-1933). Collection of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum.
This exhibit explores the work of Irish-American sculptor James E. Kelly (1855-1933). In the decades following the American Civil War, more than forty Union Generals visited the New York City studio of Kelly, who was highly respected for his artwork’s historical accuracy. While the war heroes sat, the artist conducted in-depth interviews regarding their wartime service, and heard their very personal stories of Fort Sumter, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Appomattox. The work resulting from these personal interviews presents a unique perspective on the famous figures and events from the Civil War. In the upstairs gallery, on view during touring hours. (see Program Calendar for related lectures by exhibit co-curator William B. Styple).
“Gone For A Soldier:” Jerseymen in the Civil War
The exhibition is closed – but catalogs with full exhibit text and images are still available! See below.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum in collaboration with the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee (NJCW150) presented a major exhibit, “Gone for a Soldier:” Jerseymen in the Civil War.
The exhibit brought together about 200 objects from nearly thirty museums, historical societies, and private collections. Notable objects in the exhibit were the infantry coat that George Thompson of the 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry wore the day he was wounded; and the historic drum, decorated with hand-painted patriotic motifs, carried by a musician in Company K, 12th New Jersey Infantry in famous battles such as Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Dana Shoaf, editor of Civil War Times (April, 2012) wrote in his review: “While this is unmistakably a military-themed exposition, the war’s devastating impact on New Jersey beyond the battlefield sinks in deeper and deeper as you move through the exhibit.” (click the image below for a readable size):
In the New York Times Antiques section Eve M. Kahn wrote: “In the sesquicentennial commemorations of the Civil War regional exhibitions so far have covered topics as narrow as battlefield doctors from Albany, and Kentucky families divided by sympathies for the North and South. Troops from the New York region are only now receiving their share of museum attention.” Read the full article:
A comprehensive collector’s catalog of the exhibit is available in the Museum Shop or you can order one online! The catalog includes color images of nearly every object in the exhibit and retails for $20.00 a special promotional price, $12.00!
