Holiday Traditions Old & New

November 13, 2024–January 5, 2025 | Taft Historic House

Do you often find yourself taking a break in the afternoon, perhaps for a cup of tea? Museum founders Charles and Anna Taft hosted an afternoon tea reception annually on New Year’s Day. According to a local newspaper, they provided their guests with “hot temptations” and “a delicious brew of eggnog.” Taking inspiration from these historical gatherings, we have adorned the museum’s dining room with a few must-haves for such an occasion, including gleaming tea and coffee services and a variety of dishes waiting to be filled with sweet treats.

In addition, this holiday season the Taft will be partnering with Indigo Hippo, the creative reuse center in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, on a new festive installation that will celebrate sustainability alongside the holiday season.

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows Plaque, detail, 1850–1900, paint and gold leaf on wood. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art

February 1–May 11, 2025 | Fifth Third Gallery

Through compelling and cryptic works of art, Mystery and Benevolence brings to light the histories, symbolism, and beliefs of the Freemasons and the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF)—two fraternal organizations with deep roots in American history. For decades, members across the country have come together to socialize, help others, and improve themselves and their communities. The exhibition features more than eighty works of art, including items once owned by the Daughters of Rebekah—the first lodge to include women—and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, founded as the African American counterpart to the IOOF. Sculptures, textiles, regalia, prints, and works of decorative art explore the main principles of the organizations: fellowship, charity, labor, passage, and wisdom. Elaborately stitched costumes, gilded regalia and jewelry, and richly embellished ceremonial objects provide a glimpse into the enigmatic world of these secret societies.

Mystery and Benevolence is organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York, NY, from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

Joseph William Mallord Turner (English, 1775–1881), Château de Rinkenberg, on the Lac de Brienz, Switzerland, 1809, watercolor on paper. Bequest of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Phelps Taft, 1931.388

J. M. W. Turner and the Art of Watercolor

March 1–June 15, 2025 | Sinton Gallery

Happy Birthday, Mr. Turner! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of J. M. W. Turner’s birth with this exhibition of twelve of his watercolors from the Taft Museum of Art and other area collections. Considered one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, Turner (English, 1775–1851) was also a master of the art of watercolor. A prolific artist and intrepid traveler, he was especially drawn to mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, river valleys, and the sea, as well as the human presence within these dramatic settings. This exhibition features views of Switzerland, Germany, France, England, Scotland, and Italy, highlighting Turner’s technical skill with a brush on paper. Because these delicate works are kept in storage to protect them from the damaging effects of light, this is a rare opportunity to see these treasures up close and in person.