Fraunces Tavern Museum To Loan historic Dunsmore paintings for Colonial Art Exhibit

See two spectacular original paintings from renowned artist John Ward Dunsmore at the Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum during Colonial Christmas –
December 2-6, 2009

The landmark Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City will loan two original John Ward Dunsmore paintings depicting General Henry Knox that will be on exhibit at the historic Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum in Bedminster, New Jersey from December 2 – 6, 2009 as part of the Vanderveer House Colonial Christmas celebration.

“The beautiful and historic paintings will be a showcase exhibit during this year’s colonial Christmas celebration at the Vanderveer House,” says Susan Miniman, the Vanderveer House trustee who negotiated the Dunsmore paintings loan. “These painting rarely ever leave their home at Fraunces Tavern and we’re extremely excited about this extraordinary opportunity to showcase his work referencing General Henry Knox, a onetime resident here at the Vanderveer House in Bedminster.”  American Revolutionary War General Henry Knox and his family lived in the Jacobus Vanderveer House during the winter of 1778-1779 while the general commanded the Continental Artillery that was encamped nearby in Pluckemin.

John Ward Dunsmore, one of the most prominent artists depicting revolutionary war events, the John Ward Dunsmore Collection at the Fraunces Tavern Museum is comprised of 45 paintings that illustrate important events of the Revolutionary War, including Valley Forge, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Surrender at Yorktown.  Dunsmore was a late 19th and early 20th-century painter best known for his realistic and historically accurate paintings. He was the founding director of the Detroit Art Museum and a member of the Sons of the Revolution. Dunsmore donated much of the collection to the Fraunces Tavern Museum.

Above: The Portrait of General Henry Knox & Colonel Knox Bringing the Cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to be on special exhibit during this year's Colonial Christmas.

"We are very excited to have these two Dunsmore paintings including General Henry Knox go to the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House since they're such a perfect fit," says Suzanne Prabucki, Curator/Collections Manager at Fraunces Tavern. "We're in the process of restoring many paintings from our Dunsmore collection and we're so happy that the public gets to view them before the effort begins."

"This is just one more fantastic reason to visit the Vanderveer House during our annual fundraiser and celebration," noted Jeanne Galbraith, event Chair of the Colonial Christmas at the Vanderveer House. "The 2009 Colonial Christmas celebration will be one of the best series of events we've ever produced and we hope the public turns out to support these entertaining and historic events. It's definitely the event of the season!"

The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House Colonial Christmas fundraiser comprises of a number of events in and around the Bedminster area, including the Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum in Bedminster, New Jersey. The events are planned for December 2-6, 2009.

Additional Information:

• Colonial Christmas at the Jacobus Vanderveer House
• Fraunces Tavern's John Ward Dunsmore Collection

About Fraunces Tavern Museum

Fraunces Tavern Museum is a survivor of the early days of New York City. It was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs.

Fraunces Tavern Museum will be exhibiting a copy of the Magna Carta from 9/15/2009 - 12/15/2009, http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/magna-carta.html

In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to return the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern® Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th century Fraunces Tavern building.

Fraunces Tavern® Museum is located at 54 Pearl Street, Manhattan. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 12 – 5pm. Admission: $10.00 general, $5.00 seniors and children under 18, and free to children 5 and under and to members with membership card. Subway: R or W to Whitehall St., 4/5 to Bowling Green, 1 South Ferry, J/M/Z to Broad St. Buses: M1, M6, M15.

For additional information please click here or call the house at (908) 212-7000, ext. 611.

Submitted: September 22, 2009
Submitted: Brooks Betz
Photos/Images: Fraunces Tavern Museum

Back to Top

JVH Events Calendar