Circa 1776: A Celebration of America250

The Columbus Museum is proud to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial with a special installation in the Crowley Gallery. Entitled Circa 1776, the exhibition brings together objects created within the 25 years on either side of the founding of the United States, offering a focused look at the people, materials, and ideas that shaped the early Republic.

Drawn largely from the Museum’s permanent collection, the installation highlights the breadth of artistic and material production during this pivotal era. Visitors will encounter a dynamic Revolutionary War battle scene alongside portraits of early Americans that reflect both personal identity and emerging national ideals. Decorative arts— including finely crafted furniture, medals, and domestic objects—offer insight into daily life, revealing how artistry and function intertwined in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Together, these works illuminate not only the historical moment, but also the evolving story of American craftsmanship, politics, and culture.