CHARLES WILLSON PEALE VISITS ON MARCH 17

The past comes alive again at the Historical Society of Cecil County on March 17 when Charles Willson Peale, the noted American painter, appears for an evening performance at 7:00 p.m.  This free program, underwritten by a generous donation from the Cecil County Special Events Committee, is the third one in the organization’s winter performing history series.  Peale was an American painter best remembered for his portraits of the leading figures of the American Revolution and as the founder of the first major museum in the United States.  He went to London in 1766 where he studied painting.  Upon his return to American, Peale became the most fashionable portrait painter of the middle colonies. 

Born in Queen Annes County, he initially worked as a saddler, watchmaker, and silversmith. His career in art began when he exchanged a saddle for a few painting lessons.  He opened a portrait gallery of Revolutionary heroes in 1782 and in 1786 founded an institution intended for the study of natural law and display of natural history and technological objects. Known as Peale's Museum, it moved to Baltimore in 1812.  Peale painted about 1,100 portraits, including sitters such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.  His seven portraits of Washington from actual sittings were repeated many times by himself and other painters of his family. 

The Society is pleased to present this performance by Christian Johnson.  In character he will tell the story of this pioneering artist who rose to prominence at a time when he could paint the nation's founding fathers.

The Society is located at 135 E. Main Street, Elkton.  Visit the web site (www.cchistory.org) for additional information or e-mail us at history@cchistory.org.  The Civil War Photography performance originally scheduled for this day is rescheduled for May.  Watch the web site for details.