"Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons" at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum

This February on display in the exhibit “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons” Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) showcases an important collection of rarely exhibited, virtually unknown works by the man whose art defined many of America’s most popular icons: Santa Claus, Uncle Sam, the Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant. Previously unpublished oil paintings and watercolors, rarely seen pencil sketches, pen and ink drawings, and original architectural elements from the artist’s home are among the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 are also on view.

Nast worked with a variety of mediums as well as producing images not just of political life, but social as well. Pencil sketches of Thomas Nast’s family from his early years as well as paintings he created toward the end of his life around 1900 are also on display. He even enjoyed putting his own image down on paper as can be seen by the variety of self-portraits exhibited. Among the objects featured from Nast’s home are his personal glass ink well and a testimonial silver canteen which was presented to Thomas Nast by his “Friends in the Army & Navy of the U.S.” MHHM holds the largest collection of original works by Thomas Nast, which has expanded through donations and acquisition since its last major exhibit of Nast material.

On Sunday February 22nd MHHM F.M Kirby Curator of Collections Ryan Hyman presents “The Work of Thomas Nast”. During this presentation Ryan will highlight Nast’s most popular political cartoons and a few interesting but lesser known images. Ryan will also discuss some of the previously unpublished works, many of which are currently on display in the exhibition “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons”. Ryan will also share some of Nast’s political cartoon work about the Civil War, which is on view in the second floor “The Civil War Through the Eyes of Thomas Nast” exhibit. Nast’s battlefront and home front images drawn during the war were powerful tools for bringing the war into people’s homes.

Ryan Hyman is responsible for the extensive fine and decorative arts collections at MHHM and has also been the lead staff member for numerous major exhibits, including several on the works of Thomas Nast. Ryan has overseen the more than 4000 Thomas Nast works in the Museum’s collection for the past 14 years and continues to research and collect Thomas Nast images for the Museum.

The presentation is part of the “Spring Exhibits Speaker Series” when the Museum presents a series of programs related to the current exhibits on display at the museum. Speakers will give presentations on the last Sunday of the month, February through June, at 4:30pm in the main gallery. Tickets go on sale at 1pm on the day of the program and visitors can visit the museum prior to the program and view the current exhibits, open until 4:30pm, or take a tour of the period rooms, last tour ticket sold at 3pm. Speaker tickets will remain on sale until 4:30pm.

The Museum’s collection of seven “Currier & Ives” prints that are on display throughout the second floor of the museum and the second floor “The Civil War Through the Eyes of Thomas Nast” exhibit will remain on view until 4:30pm. The main gallery “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons” exhibit will close 3:30 – 4pm in preparation for the program. Tickets to hear speakers are Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are admitted free.

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 tours and gallery visits 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. 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.

Images attached: Painting From Ecuador_Thomas Nast_1902 Watercolor on gold painted canvas_detail_Collection of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Courtesy of Stan Freeny & MHHM Spring Exhibit Speaker Series FM Kirby Curator Ryan Hyman _Nast_February 22 2015 Courtesy of Stan Freeny