The Rumsey and Cary Artistic Heritage

In the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, Buffalo’s growing industrial and economic power created enormous wealth and status for several families, including the Rumsey and Cary families, enabling careers in the arts for several members of their families. This legacy was demonstrated through examples of works by several generations. Sculptors included Charles Cary Rumsey (who exhibited work at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition), Daniel Lockwood Rumsey, Bronson Rumsey, and woodworker David Rumsey. Painters included Evelyn Rumsey Cary (who designed the Pan-American Exposition poster showing “The Spirit of Niagara”), Evelyn Rumsey Lord and Celia Rumsey. The architect George Cary designed the New York State Building, the only permanent structure for the exposition that now houses the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society. Various lenders in Buffalo as well as some out of town collectors or family provided objects to supplement art in the collection. The exhibition was part of a series being presented in 2001 as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, which had been held in Buffalo.