Macculloch Hall Presents: Thomas Nast's Christmas in July

Thomas Nast’s Christmas in July

July 17th – July 31st, 2011

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents a rare summertime look at Thomas Nast’s most popular character, Santa Claus.  Over thirty holiday images by Thomas Nast will be displayed in the large schoolroom gallery on the first floor of the museum. The exhibit will feature a variety of Nast’s original artwork including paintings, pen and ink drawings, printer’s proofs and engravings. This very limited engagement is a rare treat to see some of Nast’s best-known pieces.  Generally only displayed during the holiday season, visitors will have the opportunity to see these wonderful images during touring hours starting Sunday July 17th through Sunday July 31st.

The pen of the famous political cartoonist Thomas Nast popularized the image of Santa Claus as we know him today.  Portrayed as a jolly old elf riding high above the rooftops in his reindeer-drawn sleigh and filling each Christmas stocking “hung by the chimney with care,” Santa Claus was inspired by the famous poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas, or ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822.  Moore’s poem is illustrated in many of Nast’s Christmas drawings, which helped to bring the poem to life.  Nast’s image of Santa Claus as a jolly, round-bellied, white bearded, gnome-like figure immediately captured the imagination of both children and adults throughout the nation and helped Nast earn his fame.  His drawing of Santa was first published on the front page of Harper’s Weekly in 1863 and continued to appear in the magazine almost every Christmas season for more than thirty years.

While Thomas Nast was primarily a political cartoonist, he was perhaps proudest of his now-iconic image of Santa, known today by children all over the world.  Nast’s imagination placed Santa’s home and workshop in the North Pole, and developed the idea of sending letters to Santa through the U.S. Postal Service.  Thomas Nast’s Christmas drawings gave him the opportunity to devote his talent to a subject very close to his heart.  He successfully captured the traditions, customs and tales of the magic and spirit of Christmas.  Through these drawings, one can sense Nast’s love of home and excitement that is in the air during the Christmas season.

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. It is located in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tickets for admission are sold at 3 p.m.  Admission is $6 Adults; $5 Seniors; Students 12 years and under and museum members are free.  For information, call the Museum weekdays at (973) 538-2404, 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.  The Macculloch Hall Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.