CONTACT: Meg Marcozzi, Marketing Manager
(302) 658-2400, ext. 238 mmarcozzi@hagley.org
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“The American Eagle: Symbol of Freedom and Enterprise to the du Pont Family”
Wilmington, Delaware – March 2012 – The image of the bald eagle has been an important symbol in the history of the du Pont family. Hagley’s new exhibit, "The American Eagle: Symbol of Freedom and Enterprise to the du Pont Family," explores the role and significance this iconic bird has had on the du Ponts from the start of their journey to America. The exhibit will be on display from March 10, 2012, to January 6, 2013, in the du Pont family ancestral home, Eleutherian Mills. Included in regular admission and tour and free for members.
"The American Eagle: Symbol of Freedom and Enterprise to the du Pont Family” traces the theme of the American eagle from the du Pont family’s emigration from France in 1799 when they boarded a ship named American Eagle to the eagle motif found in the decorative arts collection of Louise du Pont Crowninshield, the last du Pont family member to live in Eleutherian Mills, more than 100 years later. Artifacts of interest include a portrait of the ship American Eagle by Stanley Arthurs, gunpowder cans with the eagle labeling, and ceramics with eagles depicted.
“As a national icon symbolizing freedom, the American Eagle appears repeatedly throughout the history of the DuPont Co.’s gunpowder manufacturing and for the last du Pont who lived in Eleutherian Mills. For more than 100 years, DuPont Co. made its highly regarded Eagle brand gunpowder and later Mrs. Louise du Pont Crowninshield, when furnishing the ancestral home, began collecting decorative arts specifically depicting eagles including ceramics, hooked rugs, wooden carvings and more” said Debra Hughes, Curator of Collections and Exhibits.
The exhibit is included in the tour of Eleutherian Mills, which is accessible by bus. Buses run daily, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hagley Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets the unfolding history of American enterprise. Hagley is located in Wilmington, Delaware. For more information, call (302) 658-2400 weekdays or visit www.hagley.org
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