Painting Patriots, Healing Wounds at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will present “Painting Patriots, Healing Wounds: The Art of Colonel John Trumbull” on Sunday, November 8, from 2 to 4 pm. Connecticut State Historian Emeritus Walter W. Woodward will lead the richly illustrated presentation, which explores the life, work, and lasting influence of the artist often remembered as the “Painter of the American Revolution.”

Trumbull captured some of the most iconic moments of the nation’s founding period and created life portraits of prominent Revolutionary-era figures and Founding Fathers. His original works are displayed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, while engravings based on his paintings have appeared on American currency. The presentation will also examine Trumbull’s difficult path to recognition at a time when artists were often regarded as skilled tradespeople, including his struggle to earn the respect of his father, Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull.

Woodward is a scholar of Early American and Atlantic World history with a particular focus on Connecticut and New England. He served as Connecticut State Historian and as a member of the University of Connecticut History Department from 2004 to 2022. He is the author of five books, including Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State and the award-winning Prospero’s America. He holds a PhD with distinction from UConn and previously taught at Dickinson College.

Light refreshments will be offered following the presentation. The program is part of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum’s 2026 Lecture Series, presented in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Tickets and additional information are available at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum website.