From May 1 to May 26, the Hudson Library & Historical Society will host the traveling exhibition, “Alexander Hamilton: Immigrant, Patriot, Visionary,” developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s most visionary founding fathers, is with us every day, not only in our wallets on the $10 bill, but also in the republic’s most vital institutions.
The exhibition, funded in part by the Rockefeller Foundation, examines Hamilton’s important role in the Revolutionary War and Founding period. More than any other founder, Hamilton foresaw the way we live now. In his Federalist Papers, he advocated ratification of the Constitution, as treasury secretary, he oversaw the adoption of a national currency, and as an economist, he recognized the importance of trade and commerce in building a strong nation. Never one to shrink from a fight, political or otherwise, Hamilton was killed at the age of 47 in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.
Using reproductions from the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s renowned collections, and drawing on recent scholarship about Alexander Hamilton, the exhibit examines Hamilton’s role during the Revolutionary War and Founding period (1774-1804) in creating the economic, constitutional, social, journalistic, political, and foreign policy templates for modern America. It will acquaint visitors with a statesman and visionary whose life inspired discussion and controversy and shaped the America we live in two hundred years after his death.
“Americans of the 21st century may admire Hamilton more than any generation since the founders themselves,” said James G. Basker, President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. “So much about him is attractive to us. He was an immigrant from the Caribbean, a disadvantaged orphan who became a war hero, a self-made man who rose to become a framer of the Constitution and architect of the American financial system.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public for viewing in the rotunda during regular library hours. Please call (330)-653-6658 with any questions.
Interested in learning more about Hamilton? Check out these resources!
Hamilton Adult Programming
VIRTUAL: The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton
Thursday, May 11 : 7-8 p.m.
Discover the untold story of the founding father’s likely Jewish birth and upbringing—and its revolutionary consequences for understanding him and the nation he fought to create. Join us on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. for a livestreaming event with professor Andrew Porwancher, who will discuss his book, The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton. Register for the event here!
Hamilton Youth Programming
Alexander Hamilton Scavenger Hunt
Monday, May 1 – Saturday, May 6
Children in grades K to 5 are encouraged to pick up a form at the children’s desk and receive a prize for completing the hunt! No registration necessary. Drop by any time during the week to pick up the forms and get your prize.
Art Smart – Family Edition
Tuesday, May 16 : 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Children in grades K to 5 with a care-giver can join us for a special art project as we celebrate the life and times of Alexander Hamilton. Learn how to create a hand-cut silhouette portrait worthy of a colonial parlor – or a childhood scrapbook! If you have a favorite pair of paper scissors, you can bring them along, but all supplies will be provided. This is an in-person interactive experience – space is limited and registration is required. Register for the event here!
