When Lew Wallace created his iconic Study in Crawfordsville, he spared no expense. Although we haven’t yet found any evidence, tradition suggests the stained glass was done by Tiffany & Co. The firm that would become synonymous with fine American craftsmanship began as a stationery and fancy goods store in […]
collections
11 posts
Sorry about the lack of posts here lately. We’ve had a slight time management problem…but it’s a good kind! We’ve had so many visitors it’s been hard to get blog posts written! I’m going to do a quick round-up of a few visitor questions that I’ve had over the past […]
Last week, I posted about how a museum exhibit is built. Associate Director Amanda McGuire took some time to talk with me about what goes into choosing an exhibit theme and content. Today, I’d like to tell you all a little more about the challenges we face when we’re preparing […]
We are all getting excited about our upcoming museum exhibit. “Generations: The Descendants of Lew and Susan Wallace” opens to the public Tuesday, March 12. If you visited us today, you would find the Lynne D. Holhbein Education Room mostly empty, which just a handful of vinyl labels and an […]
I’m often asked about this rocking chair in the Study. It doesn’t look as if it would be very comfortable, thanks to the face carved on the back. The nose would probably poke the hapless sitter in the middle of the back! But whether or not the chair would be […]
I frequently have visitors ask me about the little paperweight displayed on a shelf in the Study. Titled Memento Mori, the paperweight depicts a human skull. So why would Lew want to display a skull on his desk? The phrase “memento mori” is Latin, and means “remember you will die” […]
Among the many items in the Study, the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum has a collection of canes associated with the General. Throughout his life, Lew Wallace maintained a military bearing. Acquaintances frequently commented upon his erect posture. However, Lew often used a walking stick about town. Beyond aids […]
Throughout his life, Lew Wallace had a deep interest in the creative arts. He created original works of art and acquired works by others. One of the most recognizable works he acquired was a bronze bust of himself created by the famed American sculptor, Randolph Rogers. Randolph Rogers signed the […]
Perhaps Lew Wallace’s best-known painting (not that he was famous for art), The Conspirators made the journey from storage to the Study Movers from Red Ball Moving carry in the custom-made box containing The Conspirators. Museum staff and volunteers lift the oil painting atop the bookcases in the Study. Museum […]
1865 was a year of events and activity for Lew Wallace. Early in the year he was sent to Mexico to prevent Mexican support of the dying Confederacy. While in Mexico he learned of the end of the Civil War and the death of Abraham Lincoln. Military Trials Upon his […]