Proud lions, patriotic eagles, and solemn bulls once graced the roadsides of America. Painted onto wooden signboards and hung high above the heads of passers-by, tavern and inn signs dating from the 1750s through the 1890s reflect the artistic, social, and travel practices of their times. The signs in this exhibition belong to The Connecticut Historical Society, which preserves the nations' largest collection of tavern and inn signs. (To read the full press release, click here.)

A color catalogue is available through the Hood Museum Shop; please call 603-646-2317.

This exhibition is organized by The Connecticut Historical Society. Funding for the exhibition and related catalogue has been provided by: the Henry Luce Foundation, Inc., Aetna and the Aetna Foundation, the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Kohn-Joseloff Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, and James B. Lyon. Its presentation at the Hood Museum of Art is generously supported by the Bernard R. Siskand 1955 Fund and the Hansen Family Fund.