“Farewell to Lincoln” Open-House

Earlier this week it was announced that the historic Abraham Lincoln painting, which proudly hangs on the wall in the Hartley Dodge Memorial Council Chambers, will begin its five-year loan to the National Portrait Gallery later this month. 

Before it’s departure from Madison, NJ, members of the public are invited to come view this magnificent portrait during a “Farewell to Lincoln” open-house on Friday, January 20 from 3:00 – 7:00pm. 

During this event, the public will be permitted to view this nine-foot-tall oil on canvas painting, which is only one of three known, life-size paintings of the 16th president. Photographs in front of the portrait will be permitted, without flash photography. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Members of the Hartley Dodge Foundation Trustees, whose founder, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, acquired the painting in the 1930s, will be available to answer questions about the painting. 

“It is quite humbling to sit at each council meeting and look out at the portrait, and the history behind it,” said Mayor Robert H. Conley. “This painting is very special to the residents of Madison, but it is also a great opportunity to share it with the world. We look forward to seeing it proudly displayed at the Smithsonian, but also look forward to it’s return so that future governing bodies, residents, and visitors to this historic Borough Hall can enjoy it as well.” 

The portrait loan – made possible by the Hartley Dodge Foundation, and courtesy of the citizens of the Borough of Madison, New Jersey – will return to Madison in December 2027, where it will remain for a minimum of two years. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. is open daily and is visited by over two million visitors a year. The portrait will begin its display starting on February 10, 2023.

School groups that wish to visit the painting during the school day are encouraged to email communication@rosenet.org to arrange a visit. Drop-ins for viewing will not be permitted.

Please note that during the open-house food and beverages will NOT be permitted in the chambers. 
Photo by Joe Painter, courtesy of the Hartley Dodge Foundation