This year’s exhibit at the Crawford House explores the life and context of Newburgh’s Hudson River School painter Thomas B. Pope (1833–1891). The exhibition highlights paintings by Pope in the HSNBH art collection, along with select works on loan from private collectors.

In late September 2026, the exhibition was expanded with the addition of five signed landscape paintings depicting scenes around Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, offering visitors an even broader look at Pope’s artistic legacy and his relationship to the region he called home.

Artifacts, documents, and other ephemera from the HSNBH museum collection and nearby repositories further illustrate the many dimensions of Pope’s life in a rapidly changing Newburgh. In addition to the art that made him locally famous, Pope was a fireman, Civil War veteran, liquor store owner, photographer, local journalist, practitioner of legerdemain, ice yachting aficionado, and engaged member of his community.

With gratitude to HSNBH volunteers Kate Klein and Ava Rogers, who lovingly curated this exhibition.