Tour with the Curator: American Identity

This event is free with standard Museum admission, but RSVP is required. Please reserve your ticket below. 

American Identity: Restoring the Susquehanna River’s Artistic Legacy is drawn from the Friends of the Susquehanna River Art Collection (SRAFriends.org) and curated by Rob Evans. As part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, this exhibition brings together over 100 historic works, spanning four centuries, that explore the Susquehanna River as an enduring geographic presence and iconic image in American art.

The Hudson River School, flourishing in the mid-19th century, is considered the first American school of painting—distinctive in its focus on the untamed landscape and its deliberate departure from European artistic conventions. However, long before the Hudson River inspired American artists, many were already studying the Susquehanna River. American Identity reveals the Susquehanna River as a key formative influence on the Hudson River School and as an important catalyst in American art history.

Since the nation began, American identity has been linked to the beauty of the American landscape. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the exhibition provides a fresh viewpoint on how American artists learned to see and portray the land. American Identity presents a sample of American history, portraying daily life as seen firsthand by the artists along the river’s shores. In Harrisburg, where the Susquehanna River is still a significant presence, these works hold new importance for today’s audience.

Please RSVP below. SAM Members may RSVP free of charge. Non-members should process tickets using the Standard or Discounted admission levels.