Thomas Nast’s Historical Icons

Explore Thomas Nast’s cartoons with curator Ryan Hyman Nov. 18, 6–7 p.m., at Morris County Library. Free; registration required.

Curator Ryan Hyman will discuss Thomas Nast’s influence on familiar American images during a free lecture Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave. in Whippany. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Nast, the 19th-century political cartoonist and Morristown resident, helped popularize images associated with the Democratic donkey, Republican elephant and Santa Claus. Hyman, F.M. Kirby Curator of Collections at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, will examine well-known cartoons alongside less familiar examples. The presentation also includes an introduction to Macculloch Hall and its collection of Nast’s original work.

Morris County Historical Society and the Morris County Heritage Commission are presenting the program as part of their 2026 Revolutionary Lecture Series. A Zoom attendance option is available for those unable to attend in person. Use the registration link on the Historical Society’s event page and select the appropriate format. This listing identifies the physical library venue.