THE TICKER
MUSEUM NEWS
New Exhibits Include“ Out of the Vault” and“ For the Love of Money”
In January, the Museum unveiled the first of its 2017 exhibits, entitled“ Out of the Vault.” The exhibit features highlights from the Museum’ s permanent collection, many of which have never been publicly displayed. Highlights include financial documents bearing the signatures of US Presidents, from John Quincy Adams to John F. Kennedy. Another case features dozens of colorful international currencies, issued between 1932 and 2011. There are also several examples from the Museum’ s extensive collection of Lucite“ deal toys” representing some of the largest public offerings of the last three decades.
In February, in honor of Black History Month, the Museum opened a traveling
exhibit on loan from the Museum of UnCut Funk entitled“ For the Love of Money: Blacks on US Currency” [ see related article, page 20 ]. The exhibit features more than 40 examples of Black men and women depicted on US commemorative coins, medals and medallions. The objects span from 19th century anti-slavery tokens through the Presidential Bronze Medals issued in January 2017 on Barack Obama’ s last day in office. This is the first time a complete collection of these coins has been on public view.
In remarks delivered at the press conference to open the exhibit on February 22, Loreen Williamson, co-curator of the Museum of UnCut Funk, said the coins in
the exhibit serve to accurately present and archive the Black experience in the United States.“ These objects are tangible. They’ re permanent. And through this exhibition, they’ re accessible,” she said.
Maura Ferguson, director of exhibits at the Museum of American Finance, remarked,“ As we discuss our national values and how to best represent them, we wanted to bring to our visitors these objects and stories as a representation of both Black history and American history.”
“ For the Love of Money” will be on view through January 2018. For more information, visit www. moaf. org / fortheloveofmoney.
1 2
3
4
5
1. Pamela Thomas and Loreen Williamson, co-curators of the Museum of UnCut Funk, with the Museum of American Finance’ s curatorial team of Maura Ferguson and Sarah Poole. 2. Cases from“ For the Love of Money” featuring 18th and 19th century anti-slavery tokens and some of the nation’ s earliest coins depicting famous Black Americans. 3. Press conference attendees were among the first viewers of the“ For the Love of Money” exhibit. 4. A large case in“ Out of the Vault” features deal toys from significant IPOs. 5. Financial documents signed by US Presidents include this 1894 certificate of indebtedness signed by William McKinley. 6. International currencies featured in“ Out of the Vault.”
6
Photos: Alan Barnett
MAR 22 1811
The“ Act Relative to Incorporations for Manufacturing Purposes,” the world’ s first law granting limited liability to common stockholders, is passed by the New York state legislature.
6 FINANCIAL HISTORY | Winter 2017 | www. MoAF. org