Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Unveils Exhibit on 19th Century Finance
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is set to launch a captivating new exhibition titled "Bulls of Wall Street: High Finance, Power, and Social Change in Victorian America" on September 4, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. This exhibit promises to provide a unique insight into the financial landscape of 19th-century America, featuring rare artifacts, photographs, documents, and costumes sourced from private and public collections, including the New York Stock Exchange. Curated by Stacey Danielson, the exhibition highlights the life and legacy of LeGrand Lockwood, a prominent figure in 19th-century finance, alongside influential contemporaries such as Vanderbilt and Gould.
The exhibit aims to delve into the intersection of finance and social change during the Victorian era, showcasing pioneering women like Victoria Woodhull and Hetty Green, as well as Jeremiah Hamilton, who was recognized as America’s first black millionaire. Their endeavors to challenge the barriers of Wall Street’s masculinity and create opportunities for marginalized communities are a focal point of this exhibition.
Visitors will embark on a journey through the early days of Wall Street, discovering how the introduction of innovative financial instruments and advancements in communication technology transformed the marketplace. The exhibit will shed light on how these developments contributed to the emergence of self-made men amidst new economic opportunities, propelling them to unprecedented levels of wealth and influence.
Curator Stacey Danielson enjoys a robust career in museum consultancy. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Ohio University and a specialist certificate in Historic Interiors and Decorative Arts from the New York School of Interior Design, her expertise is complemented by a deep-seated passion for American history.
The excitement surrounding this exhibition has been palpable among the museum’s leadership. Douglas Hempstead, the Chairman of the Board, along with Executive Director Susan Gilgore, expressed immense enthusiasm about the unveiling of this exhibit, which has been in development for several years. They conveyed gratitude toward CT Humanities and all supporters involved, emphasizing the educational value and the unique perspective it offers on early American finance.
Additionally, the museum has enlisted the expertise of renowned author and Independent Historian Sheri Caplan, who will advise on the historical significance and contributions of women in finance, further enriching the narrative of the exhibit. With contributions from esteemed scholars including Shane White, author of Prince of Darkness, John E. Herzog, and Professor Janice Traflet, visitors can expect a well-rounded exploration of the financial dynamics of that era.
Supported generously by CT Humanities, the exhibition is backed by notable patrons including Tim and Sheila Pettee, as well as Kathy Olsen, CPA. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum springs back into public consciousness, buoyed by the support of its Founding Patrons and distinguished benefactors such as The City of Norwalk and The Maurice Goodman Foundation.
Mark your calendars for what promises to be an enlightening experience at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. For further information, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, email [email protected], or call 203-838-9799. This exhibition marks a significant opportunity to engage with the rich tapestry of American financial history, showcasing stories that may have otherwise remained in the shadows.