Upcoming exhibit

Contributed
Published: July 24, 2008

The James Madison Museum is preparing for the Sept. 12 and 13 opening of an important exhibit reflecting “Founding Friendships: James Madison and James Monroe - Defenders of Democracy.”
The exhibit honors the 250th birthday of the fifth President and is a wonderful prelude to the commemoration of Constitution Week. While not quite ready for the “official opening,” the special exhibit in the Taylor Gallery is well worth a visit now to the museum. The impressive displays in the entrance foyer, dominated by a small scale model of the Madison statue in the Library of Congress by sculptor Walker Hancock, provides an interesting introduction into the new exhibit hall, the Taylor Gallery, as well as into the long-term James Madison exhibit with its focus on the museum’s prize Campeche chair which was given by Madison by his good friend, Thomas Jefferson.
“Founding Friendships…” highlights important Madison and Monroe memorabilia as well as original documents such as the Virginia Ratification of the United States Constitution, signed on Wednesday, June 25, 1788. Also of interest is the Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI china and the echo of its design in the monogram that the Madisons adapted for their own. A dramatic life-size reproduction oil painting of James Monroe (the original is at West Point) leads one out of the Taylor Gallery and around the corner past a beautiful gold-framed oval mirror, a personal belonging of Dolley Madison, and into the Madison Agriculture wing of the museum.
The passage from the main wing of the museum into the Agriculture Hall contains an interesting display which compels you to stop and read, among other important information, why Thomas Jefferson called Madison “the best farmer in the world.” The exit from the main museum is onto a second-floor landing overlooking the hall. It is a dramatic experience, not quite Grand Canyon, but it is an amazing space and sight. The collection is remarkable. The Arjalan Price House, a 1733 cube cabin from the Rapidan area rebuilt in the hall, a rare Velie automobile, a carriage, farm wagons, sleighs, farming equipment, and tools too numerous to mention here. You can descend to the exhibits using the user-friendly carpeted stairs or, if necessary, the new elevator for the handicapped.
Many of the items on display throughout the facility have been graciously loaned by local citizens and others, including the James Monroe Memorial Foundation. You will see them identified in the excellent signage throughout the museum.
Anyone with an interest in the history of the United States, Virginia or Orange County will find more than enough to keep their attention in this interesting and powerful museum. The museum is open daily, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all Orange County students.
Include the museum on your list to visit soon and experience the excitement, pride and awe of the history of Orange County.