OHS is planning special exhibitions as well as dedicated events and lectures throughout 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, which will provide a special opportunity for the community to explore, consider, and celebrate what our nation and Oysterponds mean to them.
This year-long program will highlight how the 18th century residents of present-day East Marion and Orient lived through a challenging time of divided loyalties and hardships and ultimately emerged battered but triumphant.
The painting below represents a noteworthy example of a Revolutionary War-themed object in OHS’s collection. Presently occupying a central place in the downstairs hallway of OHS’s Webb House, it celebrates Independence Day and is signed J. A. Woodside and dated July 5, 1832—56 years and one day after the momentous event it commemorates. It is the largest painting in the OHS collection. The center of the painting is dominated by a large, winged female figure. At the time it was painted, no single allegorical figure had been definitively established to represent the ideals of the new republic; the figure here, however, most likely represents Liberty or Columbia.
“July 4, 1776” – J. A. Woodside. Oil on wood, 1832. 54 ½ x 45 ½ inches.
Forming a circle around the central figure are 13 roundels, each depicting the state seal of one of the original 13 colonies and arranged counterclockwise in geographical order, beginning with New Hampshire at the left of the central ellipse that frames the date July 4, 1776, and ending with Georgia. At the top, a large bald eagle with the elements of the seal of the United States spreads its wings over much of the painting. Flags add even more patriotic symbols. The roundels are surrounded by elaborate acanthus-like frames and are entwined with roses, leaves, swags, and other flowers.
John Archibald Woodside (1781-1852) was born in Philadelphia and, in the first half of the 19th century, became the best-known and most sought-after sign and coach painter in that city. He may have studied with Philadelphia artist Matthew Pratt, who himself had studied in London with Benjamin West (as did Oysterponds artist Abraham J. D. Tuthill). Although Woodside painted signs, fire buckets, regimental colors, banners, drums, and coaches, he is best known for his fire-engine panels and may have been the first to decorate a locomotive. He also exhibited easel paintings at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts between 1817 and 1836.
Also, don’t forget the 1776AR: REVOLUTIONARY WAR AUGMENTED REALITY TOUR is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The 1776AR app uses next-generation digital storytelling to guide visitors on a fascinating 30-minute augmented reality tour guided by key Revolutionary War-era community figures. Visitors simply download the app to their iPhone, iPad or android device and point their cameras at designated spots on the OHS campus to launch the experience. Click here for more info.