“150 Years Later: Lee’s Lasting Vision” is New Exhibition at Lee Chapel and Museum
“150 Years Later: Lee’s Lasting Vision,” Lee Chapel and Museum’s new changing exhibition, will mark the 150th anniversary of Robert E. Lee’s inauguration as the 11th president of Washington College, which took place on Oct. 2, 1865.
The exhibit opened on Oct. 1 and runs through Aug. 31, 2016. It summarizes Lee’s accomplishments that led to today’s Washington and Lee University, information that complements the museum’s long-term exhibition: “Not Unmindful of the Future: Educating to Build and Rebuild a Nation.”
Objects on view include items that are not normally on display because of their fragility, including a vest and tie worn by Lee. Also featured is a portrait of Lee as president by Cephus Giovanni Thompson, on loan by an alumnus, as well as Lee’s original oath of office, on loan from the Leyburn Library Special Collections and Archives.
“This changing exhibition has given the museum the opportunity to showcase objects that are rarely on view,” said Pat Hobbs, associate director of University Collections. “Lee’s vest, for example, has not been on display for at least twenty years. It was conserved for this exhibition thanks to a generous gift from the Virginia Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy.”
Until Nov. 1, Lee Chapel hours are Mondays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1–5 p.m. From Nov. 1-March 31, hours will change to Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays, 1–4 p.m.
For more information, contact Lee Chapel & Museum, (540) 458-8768.
