Time: 4:30 pm–5:30 pm
“Kelly’s Heroes: The Story of Civil War Artist James E. Kelly, the sculptor who interviewed forty Union Generals.”
On Sunday March 17th Macculloch Hall Historical Museum welcomes author and historian William B. Styple for an interesting presentation about artist James E. Kelly. Shortly after the Civil War Irish-American Sculptor James Edward Kelly (1855-1933) made bronze portraits of over 40 Union Army generals. While the heroes of the war sat for Kelly, the artist interviewed them with intimate questions about the high points of their military careers, and the minute details of their notable battles. Historian and author William B. 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 and is the basis of this presentation which Mr. Styple will discuss along with images of these unique pieces of art.
William B. Styple has held a life-long interest in New Jersey history and especially the role of his state in the American Civil War. William was born in Ridgewood, grew up in Kearny and since 1988, has edited, co-authored, and authored nearly two dozen books and documentaries. In 2012, Mr. Styple released newly-discovered documents that reveal treachery in the Union High Command—these are published for the first time in his latest book: “McClellan’s Other Story—The Political Intrigue of Colonel Thomas M. Key, Confidential Aide to General George B. McClellan”. Mr. Styple currently lives in Morris County, New Jersey and is writing the biography of General Philip Kearny. Mr. Styple will be available after the program to sell and sign his books.
Mr. Styple is a co-curator, with the Museum’s F.M Kirby Curator of Collections Ryan Hyman, of a new exhibit in the upstairs gallery at the Museum “American Heroes in Bronze: The Artwork of James E. Kelly.” Along with presenting 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.
Mr. Styple’s program will be presented in the main gallery where vivid examples of the antique Oriental rug collection are currently being showcased, complemented by textbook examples of fine porcelain, silver, glass and furniture collected by Museum founder, W. Parsons Todd. This exhibit also includes two bronzes from the Museum collection, “Saving the Colors”, by Henry Merwin Shrady 1899 and “Dancing Nymphs” by Brenda Putnam c. 1919, the only non-military bronze in the collection. The “A Fine Collection: Treasures from the Vault” exhibit has a perimeter layout which leaves the center of the room open for a series of speakers and musical programming taking place in conjunction with the exhibit. Musical programs take place on the first Sunday of the month at 4:30pm and speakers on the third Sunday of the month February through June.
Tickets for Sunday programs will go on sale from 1pm on the day of the program, no advance sales. The presentation begins at 4:30pm. House tours (regular admission applies) take place throughout the afternoon, the last tour leaves at 3pm. The upstairs galleries will remain open until 4:30pm, with the “A Fine Collection” exhibit closing at 3pm 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 free. Tickets include admission to take part in a house tour through the period rooms of the Museum for visitors who sign up for a tour during the afternoon. Visitors can also enjoy the “Thomas Nast: President Maker and Campaign Breaker”, and the “American Heroes in Bronze” exhibits prior to the presentation.
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, educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open to tour the house and view exhibits on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The last tickets for admission are sold at 3 p.m. (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.
