Hamilton’s Final Act: Enemies and Allies

On July 11, 1804, one of the most infamous duels in history took place, which led to the death of one of America’s Founding Fathers—Alexander Hamilton. The Fenimore marks this tragic occurrence with Hamilton’s Final Act: Enemies and Allies. The exhibit focuses on the letters between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that led to the eventual confrontation in Weehawken, New Jersey. Fenimore Art Museum possesses thirty-four original documents relating to the events, including original correspondence, drafts of correspondence, and reports. Examples from this collection will be on display.

In addition to the letters that led to the duel between Hamilton and Burr our Hamilton’s Final Act: Enemies and Allies exhibition will feature artwork and sculpture from our collection. Highlighting Hamilton’s relationships with his revolutionary peers, bronze busts of Jefferson, Madison, Lafayette, and Adams, created by the artist John H.I. Browere, as well as portraits of well-known contemporaries will help to tell the story of the famous duel. A new book focusing on the letters will be published and available in April of 2019.

The exhibition is sponsored in part by Thomas and Christine Berk and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mahon.