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 new 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.

On Sunday March 17th Macculloch Hall Historical Museum welcomes the co-curator of the exhibit, William B. Styple, for an intriguing presentation about artist James E. Kelly, “Kelly’s Heroes: The Story of Civil War Artist James E. Kelly, the sculptor who interviews forty Union Generals.” 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. Mr. Styple will return on June 16th for a second presentation, “Tell Me of Lincoln: The Story of Civil War artist James E. Kelly’s quest to interview those who knew Abraham Lincoln”. Both programs begin at 4:30pm and tickets are available on the day from 1pm. Mr. Styple will be available after the programs to sell and sign his books. For more information visit maccullochhall.org

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. Please check our website for any holiday closings. 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.