The inaugural exhibition in the new Richard Sharp Gallery, presenting a dynamic installation of landscape paintings, painting objects, and easels of Thomas Cole (1801–1848) that explores his evolution into an artist of international renown whose paintings conveyed a visual identity for a young nation and continue to inspire artists to this day. The exhibition features an iconic Cole painting newly gifted to the collection by Richard T. Sharp.

Explore the rapid influence that Thomas Cole and his work had on other 19th-century artists, and the role that they collectively played in extending the concept of “America the Beautiful.” 

An immersive installation by award-winning artist Cynthia Daignault, inspired by Thomas Cole (1801–1848), of 360 landscape paintings, 8×10 inches each, created on a road trip across the United States.

A new spotlight exhibition, presenting a visual dialogue of two craft-based women artists across three centuries: 19th-century artist Emily Cole, daughter of Thomas Cole, and 21st-century artist Valerie Hegarty. 

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site will present the 2026 initiative “Thomas Cole: Painting the Nature of America,” in celebration of America 250, including three exhibitions and programming. In the early 19th-century, Thomas Cole (1801-1848) transformed the landscape of the United States into an iconic symbol of the country, giving rise to its national identity of America the beautiful.