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Contact:
Kristin Aguilera
Museum of American Financial History
Communications Director
212-908-4695
kaguilera@financialhistory.org

"MORGAN" EXHIBITION OPENS AT FINANCE MUSEUM
Author Jean Strouse curates exhibit on J.P. Morgan's Business Life and Legacy

Financial District, New York City - "Morgan," an exhibition on the business career of legendary financier J.P. Morgan, opens today at the Museum of American Financial History. Jean Strouse, prize- winning author of Morgan: American Financier, guest curated the exhibit.

J.P. Morgan was the preeminent figure in American finance at the dawn of the 20th century. He used his solid reputation, shrewd negotiating skills, and powerhouse firm to finance America's troubled railroads - dubbed "Morganization" - and to incorporate such major companies as General Electric, International Harvester, and AT&T. He also created financial markets for government securities and, at a time when America had no central bank, he was the country's unofficial "lender of last resort."

"By telling the stories of the people behind the markets, we gain a fuller understanding of financial history," said Meg Ventrudo, assistant director for exhibits and education. "We are thrilled to work with Jean Strouse, whose landmark biography has helped America rediscover this major figure."

"Morgan" features never-before-seen personal items and business artifacts from private and corporate collections, as well as from the Museum's own permanent collection. Among the highlights are Morgan's 18 karat gold monogrammed cigarette lighter, an unopened bottle from his personal wine collection, a hand-written check for $3 million issued by J.P. Morgan and Co., as well as portraits, photographs, and other rare ../images.

The Museum of American Financial History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is the nation's only independent public museum dedicated to the history of growth, opportunity, and entrepreneurship in our democratic free market economy. It serves members, visitors to its gallery and website, and program participants nationwide with exhibits, events, publications and scholarly resources. Educational programming promotes financial literacy and empowerment, drawing upon the Museum's unsurpassed document collection.

Jean Strouse will offer a curator's tour to Museum members and the press on Thursday, May 3 at an opening reception from 4-7 pm. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission is $2.

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