Ever Becoming: Our Stories, Our America
The Museum’s collection—spanning the nineteenth century to the present—offers insight into this ongoing process, expressing diverse aspects of the American experience in all its complexity.
This year, the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While this milestone marks a pivotal moment in 1776, it also invites reflection on how the nation has been continuously shaped, challenged, and reimagined over time. The Museum’s collection—spanning the nineteenth century to the present—offers insight into this ongoing process, expressing diverse aspects of the American experience in all its complexity.
Throughout the year, we are marking this momentous occasion with special exhibitions and displays of artworks and historical objects throughout the Museum. The first presentation highlights the work of folk artists, self-trained painters, and craftspeople who express popular-culture interests and traditions, starting with a quilt made by three Yonkers women to honor the U.S. Bicentennial and the origins and growth of the city of Yonkers. Nearby, a group of maritime paintings by James Bard underscores the vital role of ships in the development of a modern, mobile nation. Downstairs in Everything Has a Story: Reflections on the Collection, a folk-art table embellished with a forty-star American flag commemorates the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration in New York City.
#HRMAmerica250
This exhibition is made possible by an anonymous donor.
Exhibitions are made possible in part by assistance provided by the County of Westchester.
Selected objects
James Bard (American, 1815–1897). Schooner “John Griffith,” 1855. Oil on canvas. Anonymous gift, 1958 (58.32.1).
James Bard (American, 1815–1897). Steamboat “Francis Skiddy,” 1859. Oil on canvas. Anonymous gift, 1958 (58.32.3).
James Bard (American, 1815–1897). Steamboat “Thomas Collyer,” 1864. Oil on canvas. Anonymous gift, 1958 (58.32.2).
Ellanora Kolb (American, 1904–2000), Anna McDonough (American, 1910–2000), and Pauline Ringler (American, 1909–2006). Bicentennial Quilt, 1976. Cloth. 96 1/2 × 78 1/2 inches. Gift of The Woman’s Institute of Yonkers, 2005 (2005.02.03).
