In celebration of COLE 200, join acclaimed author and illustrator Hudson Talbott for the re-launch of his book, Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American Art.

This summer marks the 200th Anniversary of Thomas Cole’s first trip to Catskill, New York (1825-2025), which changed the course of American Art. This momentous occasion in American history is brought to life through Talbott's extraordinary storytelling in his book, Picturing America, which was first released by Penguin Random House in conjunction with the major international Thomas Cole show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the National Gallery in London. This second edition is published by the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in paperback.

The paintings Thomas Cole made of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains launched not only his career, but the major art movement of the United States known as the Hudson River School of American landscape painting. His trip inspired him to paint three significant works which elevated American landscape to iconic stature: Lake with Dead Trees, Kaaterskill Falls, and View of Fort Putnam. Upon returning to New York City, Cole convinced a bookseller to hang the three paintings in his shop window, and overnight success ensued. Thomas Cole’s American landscape paintings and impassioned writings advocated for the preservation of the natural landscape and gave rise to the country’s identity of “America the beautiful.”

Hudson Talbott is also a trustee of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and lives in the Hudson Valley.

• Access to the Storehouse for a conversation with Hudson Talbott about the creation of Picturing America, featuring the original artwork on view in the building
• Reception and book signing following the Salon in the Storehouse

Access to the historic interiors and special exhibition is separate admission. Tickets for guided tours of the Main House are available here. Exhibition access is included with tour tickets.

Visitors must check in at the Storehouse. Failure to check in on time may result in a non-refundable cancellation of your booking.

We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we cannot guarantee availability.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Storehouse is wheelchair accessible. The parking lot is asphalt and includes a number of accessible spaces. The walking paths are loose gravel.

If you need to discuss specific accessibility concerns, please email us at info@thomascole.org.

A wheelchair is available upon request in the Cole Center for on-site use on a first come, first served basis.