Traveling portrait artist and New Jersey resident Micah Williams (1782-1837) was a prolific artist who has 272 known existing works. His works are represented in many major museums and are highly sought after by folk art collectors. Yet, there has never been an exhibition dedicated solely to the work of Micah Williams. Micah Williams: Portrait Artist, on loan to Morven from the Monmouth County Historical Association, tells a story about the new America of the 19th century. With over 40 portraits on view, visitors can come face-to-face with the state’s nineteenth century farmers, orchard growers, militia officers, politicians, silversmiths, potters, carpenters, and their families.

The exhibition will also debut Morven’s newest acquisition: a pastel portrait of Commodore Robert Field Stockton (1795-1866) completed by Micah Williams around 1821. Stockton was a third-generation resident of Morven, head the Pacific Fleet and a U.S. Senator. With this exhibition, the portrait makes its return to the walls at Morven.

A fully-illustrated exhibition catalogue, published by the Monmouth County Historical Association, will be available for purchase in Morven's museum shop and through its Web site.

Morven will host an opening reception for the exhibition on April 10, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This reception will be free and open to the public (no reservations required).

Morven Museum & Garden is a museum and public garden located in Princeton, New Jersey. Morven was the home to Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the former Governor’s mansion of New Jersey. The museum's mission is to preserve the National Historic Landmark known as Morven by operating it as a museum and garden that educates diverse audiences about its rich history and the cultural heritage of New Jersey. Public Hours: Wed.-Fri 11-3; Sat. & Sun. 12-4. www.morven.org. 609.924.8144.