The Art of the Matter

Any place as old as Christ Church and the Burial Ground have connections to many other historic institutions and landmarks. The Union League, located in Philadelphia and established in 1862, is no exception. It is not as old as other sites connected to us but its roots run deep. The Allee section of our burial ground, which contains vault row, is the final resting place of many Union League members and early leaders, including their first President William M. Meredith. A few Saturdays ago, I slipped away from the church to attend the open house for the Union League. It’s hard to believe that given our connected history, this is the first time I’ve ever been there.

 I was excited to see portraits of people who are buried in Christ Church Burial Ground, including the McCall’s, Cadwalader’s and Major McEuen. Not only did I recognize the spirits from the past but I also knew many of the guides who were presenting the site to the public, including a parishioner of Christ Church who portrays President Lincoln and Francis Hopkinson at public events in the city.

 I was amazed at the collection of artwork.  In particular, I noticed many Thomas Sully paintings throughout the Union League's historic halls. The first piece of art  the Union League purchased was a Sully portrait of George Washington. Every day, while sitting at my desk, I can look over my right shoulder and smile at the 1826 Sully portrait of Reverend Abercrombie, an assistant minister who served Christ Church for 35 years. I think it is really cool that I have a Thomas Sully painting right next to my desk. I don’t think many people can say that, and the fact that I’m an artist makes it more awesome.  It’s kind of weird that my Hopart drawings sometimes are on the desk below this painting. When I’m not crypt keeping, I’m a bit of an artist. I often draw inspiration from the graveyard for my drawings. The fact that artists like Francis Hopkinson, Edward W. Clay and Thomas Pratt are buried here is very inspiring for me. I have recently combined my two worlds with an art project I created titled Said It,  which is a collection of thirteen drawings combining the quotes of Benjamin Franklin with my Hopart surrounding the quotes. I am proud of this because it shows off not only my work but how the words of my pal Franklin are still relevant and are incorporated into the mind and heart of a 21^st century man.

In my last blog I mentioned the opening of the Bruce Springsteen exhibit at the National Constitution Center. I got to see the exhibit last week. I have to say how inspiring it was to see his hand written song lyrics and the connections to art and America. The whole time I was at the exhibit, I had one line from the song “Atlantic City” in my head- everything that dies sometimes comes back again. It reminds me of the way we tell the history of people often forgotten.

 By the way the Burial Ground reopens on March 1^st, weather permitting.

Hop

5th Street Freeze Out

As winter arrives and Mother Nature forces the closure of the burial ground, I find shelter at the church doing tours. Anyone who is acquainted with me knows that I am more of an outside cat and will find any excuse to leave the warmth of the inside and go to the graveyard.  In January, four of the founding fathers have birthdays, so I was able to find a good reason to wander over to 5^th and Arch Streets. Robert Morris was born on January 31^st and is buried behind the church. The other three are at the burial ground.

 Back on January 4^th, we had a small gathering for Dr. Rush’s birthday-a special thanks to all those who braved the cold that day to remember the great doctor. On Friday, January 20^th, the annual birthday bash for Franklin was held which included a parade and wreath laying ceremony. His actual birthday is January 17^th. The birthday of Joseph Hewes on January 23 seems to get lost in the shadow of his more famous colleagues. I do not forget Mr. Hewes and find my way over to his marker for a birthday visit. Happy birthday and thanks to these great men.

So as my co-workers and I count down the days til the burial ground is open again, I bone up on my church history. I must admit that it is interesting to get a chance to work in the church to tell stories and talk about people I don’t always get to when conducting tours at the graveyard. I also have gained a greater appreciation for the work my colleague Neil does as historian of the church. I am learning many things from the time we work together in the winter months. But I am always thinking about the burial ground and new ways of telling our stories and continuing to preserve our historic sites. 

When the burial ground reopens for the season on March 1, we will continue to present our Revolutionary Heroes tour as well as special events including a commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 with a special tribute to Commodore Bainbridge, Bens’ Day on  April 18^th, Signers’ Day, a beer tour, and  the yellow fever tour.

You may have noticed that most of my blog titles are song titles or references to rock music. This particular blog title is a take on the Bruce Springsteen song “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.”  In February, our neighbors across the street at the National Constitution Center will feature Springsteen in a new exhibit.

Happy winter!

Hop