A theater presentation from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm featuring composer Karen LeFrak, co-founder and interim chairwoman of Museum of Democracy Pamala Wright, and Madison Wright, who will discuss their creative process and contributions to SAC’s current exhibition, The Story of America 1776-2026, A Celebration of Freedom and Independence.
The exhibition features hundreds of unique artifacts including:
● The flag flown at George Washington’s inauguration
● Hand-painted paper lanterns used at torchlight parades
● A red leather James Monroe fireman’s hat
● A one-of-a-kind folk art portrait of Abraham Lincoln made from seeds and saplings
● A Kellogg’s Cornflakes cereal box promoting voting in the 1952 presidential campaign
● A toothpaste-stained bathrobe Richard Nixon wore in the White House
● Presidential walking sticks, parade torches, flags, paper dresses and buttons
Deborah Aquino will then lead a hands-on holiday craft workshop, followed by a public tour of the galleries by Pamala Wright and Madison Wright, that will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy Karen LeFrak’s music, composed for the exhibition, playing in the galleries. Karen LeFrak’s musical composition was created in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, and the exhibition was thoughtfully assembled as a tribute to this historic milestone.
“It is truly inspiring to witness the passion that these women have for collecting such thoughtful, unique pieces of history and to watch their creative process,” said Christina Mossaides Strassfield, Executive Director.
This exhibition and public workshops associated with this exhibition are funded in part by The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation and with General Operating support by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
Established in 1987, the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation (rdlgfoundation.org) primarily supports the study of New York State history. The organization’s purpose is to cultivate, foster and promote interest in the culture, art and traditions of our local history and Foundation leaders aspire to encourage the collection and examination of documents and artifacts.
The Story of America: 1776-2026 will be on view from May 23, 2026 through July 18, 2026.
You may find high-resolution select images of the exhibition here.
ABOUT MUSEUM OF DEMOCRACY: The Wright Family collection is the foundation for the Museum of Democracy. One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collections of historical and political campaign memorabilia, it consists of over a million-plus objects, amassed over four decades. Unsurpassed in quality and quantity, it covers all the major presidential campaigns―including every president from Washington to Trump. The collection also features material from major social causes and movements pertaining to freedom and democracy, reflecting the history of politics and political reform in America as well as central civil rights issues such as women’s rights and social justice. Visit museumofdemocracy.org for more information.
ABOUT KAREN LEFRAK:
A native New Yorker, Karen LeFrak is a prolific and versatile composer and author whose vibrant, moving musical scores have been presented in prestigious concert halls around the world. Highlights of her career include more than 20 studio albums, which have garnered more than 60 million global streams, a catalog of over 300 works, and worldwide performances by prominent organizations including the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Ballet, and Mariinsky Ballet. She has also received accolades for her children’s books, which are published by Bloomsbury and Crown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House.
American Promise, a new commission for full orchestra by the National Symphony Orchestra to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was premiered in March with the Miami Symphony Orchestra, with additional performances scheduled with the New York Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA, among others.