In 2026, the Declaration of Independence celebrates its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. America 250 looks beyond founding documents to examine another powerful expression of American identity: art. Revisiting the museum’s inaugural 1919 collection, America 250 considers how the first exclusively American art museum defined what it meant to be “American.” 

To understand founder Joseph G. Butler, Jr. as a collector, the exhibition begins by reconstructing his life and networks. Archival materials—from an elegant childhood portrait to correspondence from the White House—trace Mr. Butler’s movement within elite political and cultural circles. For Mr. Butler, a confidant of presidents, art offered a means of asserting America’s position on the global stage. 

The exhibition then turns to the works Mr. Butler selected for his inaugural display. Many of the artists he championed were immigrants, and many of their subjects lie beyond American borders. Paintings range from Shakespearean figures to coastal seascapes abroad, underscoring how Mr. Butler envisioned American art as part of an international conversation. 

Each artwork Mr. Butler chose advanced a claim about what American art could be. Installed throughout the museum, the America 250 works form a visual trail through time, inviting visitors to retrace Mr. Butler’s landmark 1919 exhibition.

Begin the hunt here in Bacon Hall, then continue across Cushwa, Watson, Lloyd, Adler, Lipscher, and Ford Galleries to find all thirty-three works. Look out for blue tags and the America 250 seal.

Exhibit Details and Special Events: 

January 25, 2025 – December 19, 2026

Special Event: March 26, 2026

Exhibit Reception and Panel Discussion: America 250: The Art, Culture, and History of Joseph G. Butler, Jr. 

• 5:30pm refreshments in Beecher Court 
• 6pm to 7pm panel discussion in Zona Auditorium 
• Larry Jones, Interim Director, moderator for the event.

Panelists: Joe Lambert, Mr. Paul Rohrbaugh, Dante Bernard (Museum Educator – Mahoning Valley Historical Society), Traci Manning (Curator of Education – Mahoning Valley Historical Society).

Featured art pieces celebrating the America 250 initiative at The Butler Institute of American Art:

• Portrait of J.G. Butler, Jr. By Ivan Gregorovitch Olinsky, 1920 
• Did You Speak to Me?  William Merritt Chase, 1897 
• Silvery Waters, Franklin De Haven, 1916 
• By the Drovers Inn, George Glenn Newell, 1917 
• Ration Day at the Reservation, Joseph Henry Sharp, 1919

Ivan Gregorovitch Olinsky, Portrait of J.G. Butler, Jr., 1920, Oil on canvas mounted on board, Gift of Jonathan Warner 1920. Painting conserved by Mr. and Mrs. James Miller. 

Located in the Bacon Hall Gallery, first level.

William Merritt Chase, Did You Speak to Me?, 1897, Oil on canvas, Museum purchase 1921. 

Located in the Watson Gallery, first level.

Franklin De Haven, Silvery Waters, 1916, Oil on canvas, Museum purchase 1918. 

Located in the Cushwa Gallery, first level.

George Glenn Newell, By the Drovers Inn, 1917, Oil on canvas, Museum purchase 1917. Adopted in memory of William Gladys Jones by Roger and Gloria Jones, 2006.

Located in the Cushwa Gallery, first level.

Joseph Henry Sharp, Ration Day at the Reservation, 1919, Oil on canvas, Museum purchase 1921.

Located in the Adler Gallery, second level.

America 250 Yearlong Events and Programs at The Butler Institute of American Art 

This year at the Butler, our programming will proudly embrace many elements of the America 250 celebration, highlighting works from the museum’s earliest years and reflecting on our rich artistic legacy. Throughout the year, you’ll see special program notes tied to these offerings as we celebrate this historic milestone together. 

• Senior Art & Learn 
• Stroller Art 
• Family Days 
• Young Friends Adventure 

Known as “America’s Museum,” the Butler has been celebrating the nation’s visual arts heritage since its founding in 1919. As part of the America 250 celebration, this year’s programming highlights works from the museum’s earliest years, connecting today’s visitors with the art and stories that helped shape America’s creative legacy. Featuring one of the country’s most admired collections, the Butler invites you to experience these historic works up close.  
 
Visit this year and be part of the celebration.  

The post In Honor of America 250 Ohio: Joseph G. Butler, Jr. Collections of Our Nation Exhibit appeared first on The Butler Institute of American Art.

A Butler Institute of American Art membership supports access to American art while strengthening the community. When you become a member, you’re not only unlocking exclusive benefits for yourself, but you’re also actively giving back to the Museum and helping ensure art remains accessible to all. 

Butler Art Museum Membership 

An art museum membership at the Butler connects you to exhibitions, education, and exclusive experiences all year long. From the moment you join, your membership opens the door to programming designed to deepen your appreciation for American art and bring you closer to the Museum community.  

Throughout the year, members also enjoy preferred pricing on art classes, discounts in the Museum Store and Looma Café, and regular email and mail updates that keep you connected to what’s happening at the Butler, so you never miss a moment. 

Cultural Access That Extends Beyond Our Walls 

One of the most impactful benefits of Butler membership is its reach beyond Youngstown. Members receive reciprocal museum admission benefits to more than 1,000 museums across North America, including 16 participating institutions in Ohio alone. Whether you’re traveling or exploring close to home, your membership gives you access to a nationwide network of cultural destinations. 

Elevated Experiences Through Trustee Circle Membership 

For those looking to make an even greater impact, Trustee Circle membership offers enhanced opportunities for engagement. Trustee Circle members receive all general membership benefits, plus invitations to members-only, director-led tours and lectures that provide a deeper understanding of the collection and the Museum’s mission. In the spring, Trustee Circle members are also invited to a special complimentary dinner, an opportunity to connect with fellow supporters and Museum leadership in an intimate setting. 

Why Membership Matters—Beyond the Museum Walls 

When you become a member, your support reaches far beyond exhibitions and events. Active participation in arts and cultural institutions plays a vital role in strengthening communities, supporting lifelong learning, and enhancing quality of life across generations. Your membership helps ensure these benefits continue year-round for individuals, families, and the broader community. 

For Children and Teens: Stronger Academics & Life Skills

Research consistently shows that students engaged in the arts achieve higher test scores, have better attendance, graduate at higher rates, and develop essential life skills. Membership to a museum like the Butler helps provide local students with field trips, educational programs, and cultural experiences that improve classroom outcomes. 

Promotes Mental Health & Well-Being at Every Stage of Life 

Engagement with the arts reduces stress, supports emotional health, and improves overall well-being for children, adults, and seniors alike. 

Promotes Civic Engagement & Knowledge Through Museum Collections 

Museums contribute to lifelong learning by offering programs and exhibits that foster civic awareness, critical thinking, and helping communities become more informed and engaged. 

Join The Butler Institute of American Art 

Your Butler membership offers meaningful benefits while supporting arts and culture for the entire community. Join us and help ensure American art remains accessible year-round.  

Join Now: Membership Information

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