Remembering the Revolution

American Art & Carousel Gallery and Outdoors, April 25 – October 18

How should we remember the American Revolution? Many Americans today think of the Revolution in terms of massive battles and renowned “Founding Fathers.” But what was life like for the average colonist? How did the average Patriot, or Loyalist, experience this historic period?

To mark this year’s anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Heritage is unveiling a site-wide exhibition of 250 years of American history. Remembering the Revolution explores what this turbulent time in history was like for everyday New Englanders, from pacifist Shakers to local Wampanoag soldiers.

Come explore a curated selection of objects from the Heritage collection, including silver made by Paul Revere, nine different military miniature regiments, and a 24-square-foot diorama of the British surrender at the Battle of Yorktown. Across our 100 acres of grounds, explore signage that interprets Heritage’s many connections to the American Revolution, from the roots of our historic Old East Mill to our replica of an iconic Revolutionary War-era structure, the Temple of Virtue.

“Peace, Plenty, and Independence” Jug, c. 1810.

Winter at Valley Forge Diorama, c. 1960

Paul Revere Wine Cann, c. 1775-1795. Heritage Museums & Gardens.

Winter at Valley Forge Diorama, c. 1960. Heritage Museums & Gardens.

Past Selections

Memorable Motifs

It is a defining human trait to make something not just functional but beautiful and interesting too. We humans don’t just make a boat or a weathervane or a jug. We decorate that object with meaningful pictures and designs. In Heritage’s collection, certain themes appear over and over again on all kinds of objects–from paintings to shop signs to antique toys. This year, we selected groups of objects that share a similar theme. How do these themes occupy a central spot in our lives? What do they reveal about our culture and ourselves? Featuring works by Martha Cahoon, Frank Vining Smith, Elmer Crowell, Hazel Blake French, and Currier & Ives, and more.

Ralph Cahoon and Peter Hunt

Peter Hunt and Ralph Cahoon are two artists whose work is synonymous with Cape Cod and who shared a love of antiques and history. Cahoon created paintings that are witty, winking nods to Cape Cod archetypes, dotted with sailors, mermaids, schooners, and more. With Peter Hunt, more is most definitely more. Inspired by traditional European painting traditions, he constructed and painted custom furniture and other items in a decorative style that he dubbed “peasant design.”

Works by Frank Vining Smith

Frank Vining Smith was well-known in the mid-twentieth century for his maritime paintings and clipper ships. He lived most of his life in Hingham, Massachusetts but was a frequent visitor to Cape Cod. Heritage’s collection contains paintings, sketches, and the contents of his studio. To learn more about Frank Vining Smith, click here.

The Carvings of A. E. Crowell
Anthony Elmer Crowell was a master craftsman and the greatest bird carver who ever lived. A lifelong Cape Codder, he lived a modest life with his family. His subjects were the things he loved: hunting, birds and wildlife. He translated his keen observations of those animals into beautifully naturalistic carvings–ones that could only be made by someone who had spent a lifetime living with and observing these subjects. To learn more about A. E. Crowell, click here.