Mark your calendar for a unique art history event
NOVEMBER 11 – 7PM
Nationally recognized presidential historian Larry Cook will be speaking in the community that boasts of the birthplace of Francis Bicknell Carpenter. His talk will be on…
Brushes with History: Homer’s Presidential Portraitist, Francis B. Carpenter.
Carpenter painted the portraits of several U.S. Presidents, most notably that of Abraham Lincoln. Dr. Cook will be launching his latest book based upon a cache of never-before-seen Carpenter diaries and artwork that came into his possession from a Carpenter descendant in Manlius, New York.
Dr. Cook specializes in the personal side of the presidency. He is the author of Presidential Coincidences, Amazing Facts and Collectibles and Symbols of Patriotism: First Ladies and Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as numerous articles. Collecting presidential memorabilia since childhood, Dr. Cook has amassed one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the United States. His collection exceeds 8,000 pieces, and he is a respected expert in presidential artifacts. Dr. Cook has been a historical memorabilia consultant to President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. Over the years he and his wife Diane have worked on many projects with the Carters and have had a close personal friendship with the former first couple. He conducts numerous lectures, events and keynote speeches across the country and has done multiple programs for the National Park Service, Daughters of the American Revolution, historic sites, libraries, museums, historical societies, conventions and corporate organizations.
This will be a memorable and informative night in Homer. Admission will be charged at the door, and the Center for the Arts is donating all proceeds from the talk to the fund for the creation of “Homer’s Lincoln Legacy” monument in bronze. Cook is charging no professional fee for his presentation. He wishes to support the monument that will honor the Emancipation Proclamation and the three native sons of Homer connected to the Great Emancipator. They are the painter Carpenter, Lincoln’s assistant personal secretary William Osborn Stoddard, and the detective Eli DeVoe.
As part of the community support for the monument project, which will draw future heritage tourism into the county and town, free lodging is being provided Dr. Cook and his staff at “Wisdom’s Gate,” the former temperance tavern near the Center for the Arts. Both Ty Marshall of the Center and Karen Jan of the “Wisdom’s Gate” Airbnb said they wish to be a part of the community-wide endeavor. That night two kinds of souvenir T-shirts will be available, but you need not wait. Souvenir T-shirts by Graph-Tex can be purchased at Homer Men’s and Boys’ Store and at Bev. & Co. on Main Street to promote Historic Homer. Proceeds will go to the monument fund.
In addition, the Village is investigating partnering with an organization to fund the commission of internationally renowned sculptor Frank Porcu to bring the monument he conceived years ago to fruition. The organization in question seeks to assist communities in harnessing outdoor spaces for recreation and tourism purposes. A possible site under consideration is within the linear park at the southern entrance to the village just north of the Central New York Living History Center. Adjacent to the Hage River walk, the site is ideal for tourists coming into Homer’s Historic District and the scenic Finger Lakes Region or to take in cultural events at the Center for the Arts.
Individuals and organizations who donate $10,000 or more to the monument project will have their names placed upon a bronze plaque attached to the monument. The family of the late Roland “Frog” Fragnoli have already done so.
Exciting events are planned for this placemaking project in historic Homer.
