WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Smithsonian American Art Museum presents the exhibit American ABC: Childhood in 19th-Century America starting July 2 through September 17. "American ABC: Childhood in 19th-Century America" explores images of children and their relationship to the American quest for national identity during the 19th century. The exhibition features approximately 60 paintings by such American masters as Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins and Eastman Johnson, as well as prints, photographs, illustrated children's books, schoolbooks and other objects that shaped attitudes toward childhood in 19th-century America. "American ABC" demonstrates how portrayals of the nation's youngest citizens took on an important symbolic role in the United States’ long journey toward maturity and provides a window into the everyday life of the period—the world of families, children's pastimes and the routines of the schoolhouse. Claire Perry, curator of American art at the Cantor Arts Center, is the curator. The exhibition's presentation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum also will include artworks from its permanent collection. Paintings by George Catlin and several sculptures, including works by Thomas Crawford, Harriet Hosmer and William Henry Rinehart among others, will be included at this venue only. Programs and activities for children will take place in a re-creation of a 19th-century schoolroom that is based on depictions by Winslow Homer.

"American ABC: Childhood in 19th-Century America" was organized by the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University. The exhibition, accompanying catalog and related programs are made possible by the generosity of Carmen Christensen with additional support from Peter and Helen Bing, the Hohbach Family Fund and Cantor Arts Center members. Peter and Helen Bing and Zions Bank support the presentation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.