Homage to America 250 continues to spring up in 2026. Antiques and the Arts Weekly posted a feature article on the Katonah Museum of Art. The recent exhibition “Diplomacy at Home, The Domestic Lives of the Founding Families” featured 50 items of material culture owned by the people who contributed to the legacy of this country. The focus of the exhibition was on the every day items men and women used at this time. The guest curator was Grant Quertermous, director and curator of collections at the Jenrette Foundation. The examples he incorporated into the exhibit were from notable institutions including, Winterthur, Mount Vernon, Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, New York Historical, and more. With such an auspicious grouping, we decided this was not to be missed. All the items told a story and narrated in a way that gave us a glimpse of the individuals and their contributions during the Revolution. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There is a lovely picnic area outside. Bring your lunch. The final day of the exhibition was October 4, 2026. Below are a few of my favorite discoveries.
Entrance to exhibition. Thomas Jefferson and his chair.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s Library Chair. Imagine the conversations and letters written from this chair……
John Paul Jones
Reproduction 1820’s wall paper and desk belonging to John Jay c. 1790
Alexander Hamilton
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton lived to age 97, surviving her husband by over 50 years.
Look! The Tappan Sea!
Exterior, Katonah Museum of Art
Peaceful outdoor dining area - bring a lunch