Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy

April 5 - December 30, 2011

"Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy" is a retrospective of Hamilton's life that traces the extraordinary history of one of the nation's most complex founding fathers. The exhibit, presented in conjunction with the American-Scottish Foundation, coincides with the celebration of Tartan Week in New York City and pays tribute to Hamilton’s Scottish ancestry.

Beginning with Hamilton’s Scottish roots and his formative years in Nevis and St. Croix, the exhibit chronicles Hamilton’s first years in America, his military career that readied him for politics and his role of founding father, as well as his numerous and varied contributions to the financial and government systems in the US. Although Hamilton was a true Renaissance man of his day, he is best known for his contributions in banking and finance. The exhibit strives to bring attention to the many facets of Hamilton’s contribution to the American founding era.

"Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy" features objects and documents from the Museum's collection, as well as artifacts from The New-York Historical Society, Bank of New York Mellon, JPMorgan Chase, the New York Post, the Hamilton family and other private collectors. Exhibit highlights include several legal and financial documents signed by Hamilton, his Society of the Cincinnati medal, an original copy of his obituary, and several examples of Hamilton’s influence on popular culture.

According to guest curator Dr. Richard Sylla, "Hamilton’s principal goals—US independence, a stronger government and economic modernization—are also his legacy. The exhibit shows that Hamilton, the subject of many stiff portraits and cold statues, was really quite a passionate soldier, statesman and financier."

• Alexander Hamilton's Memorial Gets a Reboot (01/10/2014)
• Meet Alexander Hamilton, Founder of US Financial System (10/21/2011)