Collection Highlight

The Collections of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site include over six hundred objects and two research archives. Many of the holdings relate to the life of artist Thomas Cole (1801–1848) and include paintings, art-making tools, sketches, natural specimens, and books. The collection also reflects the lives of the many people with whom Cole shared his life, from his wife Maria and her family, the Thomsons, to Cole’s own children, including Emily Cole (1843-1913) who was a lifelong artist. Many collection items are on view throughout the Cole Site interiors, within permanent and rotating exhibitions.

The Thomas Cole Site Archives contain letters, photographs, and other materials documenting the life of Thomas Cole, the Cole and Thomson families, and their home Cedar Grove in Catskill, NY. The Ellwood Parry Archive consists of the art historian’s research records, including copies of letters, articles, Thomas Cole’s correspondence, microfilms, exhibition records, slides, film, and photos. Limited access to the archives may be requested through advance appointment.

Below is a selection of collection highlights. This online exhibition was organized by Amanda Malmstrom, Education & Curatorial Program Coordinator and Kate Menconeri, Curator / Director of Exhibitions & Collections, and builds upon research conducted by Rowanne Dean, Cole Fellow (2017–2018). Special thanks to 2021 Cole Fellows Brooke Krancer and Oriana Tang for their help to launch this virtual exhibition.