By Arielle-Christine Courtney, Director of Community Relations at Morse Museum
November 8, 2024
In 1942, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art was founded by Jeannette Genius McKean (1901–89) in memory of her grandfather, a founder of Winter Park who sought to ensure the beauty, grace, and charm of the city for generations to come. She and her husband, Hugh F. McKean (1908–95), formed the collection with the mission to make art a part of the lives of the people in its community
When Jeannette chose to make Winter Park her home, she also chose her grandfather’s generous tradition of philanthropy. This ideology paired perfectly with Hugh’s belief that art should be made accessible and understandable to everyone.
The Morse Museum Film Series
The Morse Museum film series brings the community together to explore art, culture, and themes that support the Museum’s collection. Participants attending the screenings of art-related documentaries and movies are invited to bring lunch, and the Museum provides a variety of drinks and themed snacks from which to choose. Additionally, to kick-off each series, guests are given fun favors, and each week receive an article to complement the film.
In 2021, the Museum started collaborating with the Winter Park Library, donating the books that complement each series for the community to check out. The film series is free and held in the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 West Canton Avenue (just behind the Museum). Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and films begin at noon.
The Museum screens three series each year—one in the fall, winter, and spring.
Winter Series: World's Fairs
Films
- January 24, 2025: Building the Eiffel Tower (55 minutes)
- January 31, 2025: Tesla (54 minutes)
- February 14, 2025: Expo: Magic of the White City (58 minutes)
- February 21, 2025: Continuation of Expo: Magic of the White City (58 minutes)
Books
Mosaic Arches from the Tiffany Chapel, c. 1893. Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, New York City, 1892‒1902 (V-005). The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
Spring Series: The Art of Fashion
Films
- March 28, 2025: “Exhibition on Screen” John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger (46 minutes)
- April 4, 2025: Continuation of “Exhibition on Screen” John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger (47 minutes)
- April 18, 2025: Riveted: The History of Jeans (53 minutes)
Books
- Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World by Lynn Downey
- Fashioned by Sargent by Erica E. Hirshler with Caroline Corbeau-Parsons, James Finch, and Pamela A. Parmal
Richard Aldrich C. McCurdy, 1890. Oil on canvas; John Singer Sargent, American, 1856–1925; 51 x 37 3/4 in. (P-002-81). The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.