For North Americans living in the late 1700s and early 1800s—whether free or enslaved, Native American, or of African or European descent—a common set of historical forces impacted life, albeit in very different ways. The experiences of territorial conflict, international diplomacy, trade, and shifting national identities are explored through the artworks and furnishings installed in the 1772 Charleston Dining and Drawing Rooms, from the home of John Stuart, the superintendent of Indian Affairs for Britain’s southern colonies in North America.

This project is part of Living Rooms, an initiative to present Mia’s historic interiors and decorative arts collections in new ways.

Mia gratefully acknowledges the support and contributions of the many individuals and communities whose histories are told in this exhibition.

Generous support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and donors at the 2014 Mia Gala.

Additional support provided by the Chipstone Foundation.