John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street
December-March: Fri & Sat 10am-4pm |
Scheduled Tours at 10:30am, noon, 1:30pm, 3pm
April-November: Tues - Fri 1pm-4pm |
Tours at 1pm & 3pm
April-November: Sat 10am-4pm |
Tours at 10:30am, noon, 1:30pm, 3pm

Dalila Goulart, Education and Visitors Services Manager | 401-273-7507 x 60
dgoulart@ rihs.org | www.rihs.org

Gallery Night: Thomas Morrissey
“Origins of Photography: Images from the American Civil War”
 
Photography was just over two decades old when the Civil War began. However, thousands of images exist today which chronicle the battlegrounds, army camps, and soldiers and preserve important legacies. At May Gallery Night, Professor Thomas Morrissey will present “Origins of Photography: Images from the American Civil War,” discussing the cultural significance of Civil War photography while lending his unique perspective as a veteran and artist.

Thomas F. Morrissey served as a helicopter pilot in the Republic of Vietnam between April 1970 and April 1971 with the 117th Assault Helicopter Company (Warlords). After completing his tour of duty, he studied visual arts at the University of Florida (BA in Fine Art 1976) and at Arizona State University (MFA 1978). He is a full professor of photography and computer graphics at the Community College of Rhode Island. He has taught photography for over 20 years at several other institutions including MIT, RISD, and Providence College. His works are included in several collections including the International Center for Photography, the Museum of Art at Cornell University, the RISD Museum, the Corcoran Gallery, and several international collections.
 
In addition to this lecture, the first floor of the John Brown House Museum will be open to Gallery Night participants from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Visitors will be able to view the rooms on the first floor of this impressive home, and speak with guides about its history and inhabitants.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
Visit the John Brown House Museum in Providence to see and hear the stories of Rhode Island's history as told through the lives of the inhabitants of this “most magnificent mansion,” built in 1788.  View artwork from the eighteenth century and follow the Voyage of the Slave Ship Sally in our gallery. On Gallery Night, the first floor is open for free tours.

About the RI Historical Society
The Rhode Island Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Rhode Island's history. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is the fourth oldest state historical society in the United States. It is a private organization, founded and supported by its membership.

The RIHS holds the largest and most important historical collections relating to Rhode Island. The Society owns and maintains the John Brown House Museum, a National Historic Landmark built in 1788 and is one of early American's grandest mansions and Rhode Island's most famous 18th century home; the Aldrich House, also a National Historic Landmark, built in 1822; and the Library of Rhode Island History. The organization also maintains the Museum of Work and Culture, a regional history museum devoted to the history of northern Rhode Island.