Splendid folk painting and carving decorate a Seventeenth Century sailor’s chest with interior lid painting from the Eighteenth Century.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Macculloch Hall Historical Museum will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Thomas Nast’s death with a retrospective of his life and art. “Thomas Nast Portrays a Changing America,” which opens September 22 and runs through January 12, will showcase objects from the museum’s collection documenting the illustrator’s personal life and artistic career.

From his youthful watercolors of Shakespeare scenes to sketches done shortly before his death in 1902, the display will trace Nast’s development as an artist and the creation of his icons, including Santa Claus, Uncle Sam, the Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant. The exhibit’s themes will include Nast’s early years, his Civil War reporting, the anti-Boss Tweed campaign, social commentary, the decline of his career, a focus on his most important symbols, home and community life in Morristown, and his last days as American consul in Ecuador.

For information 973-538-2404. Macculloch Hall is at 45 Macculloch Avenue.