The Westport Historical Society in Westport Conn., will present Presidents, Politicians and Popular Heroes—an exhibit dedicated to American history—from January 25 until May 3, 2009.

The exhibit—subtitled American History in Wood - A Century of Change—is a compilation of more than 100 folk art wood carvings collected by Westporters Bob and Anne Levine. The Levine’s entire collection holds more than 800 pieces of painted and unpainted wood dating from the late 1700s.

“Our collection of wood carvings of American historical figures, events and icons developed out of interest in American Folk Art, particularly pieces made of wood,” said the Levines.

The Levine family has been compiling its collection since 1988. “Learning about these objects from various sources, we gradually accumulated many pieces of historical note and artistic merit,” explains the Levines.

Some carvings on display include moments in American history such as World Wars I and II; prominent figures such as Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, James Dean and Mark Twain; and a wooden model of The Red Baron. American History in Wood - A Century of Change is also proud to display a wood bust of President Barack Obama.

The exhibit is located in the Betty and Ralph Sheffer Gallery of the Westport Historical Society and will be open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

Meet the sponsors of Presidents, Politicians and Popular Heroes—including Hoffman International Properties, Inc.—at the opening on Sunday, January 25. Mary Kay Daughters of Hoffman International Properties, Inc., provided Unique Homes magazine with information on the upcoming event.

The Westport Historical Society is dedicated to presenting, preserving and celebrating the history of Westport. Its underlying theme is “Keeping Westport History Alive.” For more information about the Westport Historical Society and its yearly exhibits, please contact Executive Director Susan Gold at 203-222-1424.

—Lauren Varga

Top image courtesy Larry Untermeyer. Bottom image courtesy Mary Kay Daughters—a sponsor of Presidents, Politicians and Popular Heroes.