Past Exhibitions

Legacy: 20 Years of Collecting by Museum Director Tom Butler

 Charles Thomas Butler was appointed Director of the Columbus Museum in 1994, and during the twenty years of his leadership the Museum’s permanent collection has grown from some 5,000 objects to more than 10,000. The quality of the collection has likewise increased, and our objects offer insight into the nation’s rich history from the late 18th century to the present. The collections represent the complex character, dynamic spirit and innovative ideas that have shaped American art and regional culture .

Butler has stated, “The Columbus Museum is a point of civic, state and regional pride which has sought always to meet the standards of excellence envisioned and upheld by the original founders. The citizens of Muscogee County, of Georgia and of the entire Southeast are the beneficiaries of the successes gained through the hard work of the donors, trustees, staff, volunteers and members. And it is to future generations, who should be proud to know of the legacy which has been given to them, that this history is offered .”

Special labels have been placed throughout the Museum’s permanent collection galleries to indicate objects that have been collected during Butler’s tenure, which spans one-third of the Museum’s 60-year history.  The full list of objects are also available online.

Below are twenty objects that represent the twenty years of collecting history during Butler’s tenure.