American Heroes in Bronze: The Artwork of James E. Kelly

An exhibit of bronze sculptures is currently
on display in the upstairs gallery of Macculloch Hall
Historical Museum.  “American Heroes in Bronze: The Artwork of
James E. Kelly” is co-curated by William B. Styple and the Museum’s
Curator of Collections Ryan Hyman.  This unique
exhibit explores the work of Irish-American sculptor James E. Kelly (1855-1933).  In the decades following the American
Civil War, over 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. Also included in this exhibition
are Kelly’s depictions of notable events from the Revolutionary War
and well known civilians such as Thomas Edison and Clara Barton.  Bas
reliefs, busts, engravings and bronze sculptures depict these heroes. The collection of Kelly’s work is on
loan from private collectors and can be viewed during touring hours until
October 31st.

 Please note, we are closed on Thursday July 4th for the holiday.

On Sunday September 8th 2013
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum welcomes historian and author William B.
Styple, for gallery tours of the “American Heroes in Bronze” exhibit. Mr. Styple is a
Historian and author and has a deep interest in the work of James E.Kelly.  He presented two popular
and engaging presentations about the artist in the spring and returns in
September to provide visitors with gallery tours of the exhibit.  He will be available throughout the afternoon
to answer questions and provide background information on the pieces on
display. Styple
discovered and transcribed Kelly's interviews with Generals Grant, Sherman,
Sheridan, Hancock, Warren,
Chamberlain and many others. The resulting book, “Generals in
Bronze—Interviewing the Commanders of the Civil War” was published in 2005.  This is a rare opportunity to discuss
Kelley’s work with Mr. Styple, while viewing the works in the exhibition.  Mr. Styple will be available during touring
hours 1pm – 4pm and will address visitors who visit the exhibit throughout the
afternoon beginning at 1pm, the Museum closes at 4pm.  Mr. Styple will also have copies of his
books available for sale.  For more information visit
maccullochhall.org

Through July 21st
visitors can also visit the other current exhibit at the Museum.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents
more than twenty examples of presidential campaign images in the exhibit
“Thomas Nast: President Maker and Campaign Breaker.”  The exhibit illustrates the six presidential
campaigns from 1864 through 1884.  Thomas Nast (1840-1902) was America's
leading political cartoonist in the second half of the nineteenth century. From
the studio in his Morristown,
NJ
home, Nast popularized the symbols of the Democratic (donkey) and Republican
(elephant) parties that continue more than a century later. Nast, a staunch
Republican, illustrated his views of the presidential campaigns for Harper's
Weekly. 

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 are open (free of charge) during Museum hours. The Museum and
offices are closed Sunday May 26th and Monday May 27th for the Memorial Day
weekend. 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 is a
nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.