Americans Who Tell the Truth

Americans Who Tell the Truth showcases a selection of portraits by Robert Shetterly (b. 1946), featuring individuals throughout U.S. history who exemplify courageous citizenship and democratic ideals. The exhibition comprises 42 portraits, many with connections to the region, including abolitionist John Brown (1800–1859), Indigenous human rights advocate Oren Lyons (b. 1930), Grafton, NY-based food justice activist and author of Farming While Black Leah Penniman (b. 1980), and folk legend and environmental activist Pete Seeger (1919–2014).

This collection of individuals—from historic to contemporary, young and old, famous and relatively unknown—expresses the enduring values of civil rights, social justice, the arts, and the humanities through Shetterly’s inspiring depictions. The artist paints his striking portraits on wood panels and etches a quote by the subject onto the surface, inviting viewers to reflect on their words and spark further dialogue.

Featured portraits include Ella Baker, Medea Benjamin, Bill Bigelow, Grace Lee Boggs, John Brown, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Paul K. Chappell, Maulian Bryant (Dana), V (Eve Ensler), Dr. Paul Farmer, Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman, Dolores Volk, Alicia Garza, Joan Gussow, Harry Hay , Charles Hamilton Houston, Harriet Jacobs, Van Jones, Mother Jones , Kelsey Juliana, Maja Kazazic, Marjorie Kelly, Oren Lyons, Jane Mayer, Natasha Mayers, Colman McCarthy, Betty Morgan, Bill Moyers, John Muir, Bree Newsome, Rosa Parks, Alice Paul, Leah Penniman, Sister Helen Prejean, Cecile Richards, Bayard Rustin, Pete Seeger, Frank Serpico, Helen Thomas, Baldemar Velasquez, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Henry A. Wallace, Rev. Lennox Yearwood

Americans Who Tell the Truth is complemented by Portrait Pairings, an exhibition of portraits from the Albany Institute of History & Art’s collection, representing the breadth and richness of the museum’s holdings. The exhibitions will be on view at the Albany Institute of History & Art from February 1 to July 20, 2025.

Major exhibition support provided by Times Union.

Americans Who Tell the Truth: John Muir's Legacy and the Future of Conservation - Virtual Program
Monday, April 7 | 1–2PM

Join the Albany Institute of History & Art and the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter for a virtual presentation and discussion led by Aaron Mair, former Sierra Club president. The program is organized in conjunction with the exhibition Americans Who Tell the Truth, on view through July 20, 2025. Among the 42 portraits on display includes a painting of John Muir (1838–1914), conservationist, naturalist, and explorer who helped found the Sierra Club in 1892.

The program is virtual only; register online here.

Film Screening: Farming While Black - Documentary related to Americans Who Tell the Truth exhibition
Saturday, April 19 | 2–3:15PM

Learn more about Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, NY, whose portrait is featured in Albany Institute of History & Art's exhibition: Americans Who Tell the Truth.

Farming While Black is a feature-length documentary film which examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots.

As the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in upstate New York, Leah Penniman finds strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism – agricultural practices that can heal people and the planet. Influenced and inspired by Karen Washington, a pioneer in urban community gardens in New York City, and fellow farmer and organizer Blain Snipstal, Leah galvanizes around farming as the basis of revolutionary justice.

In 1910, Black farmers owned 14 percent of all American farmland. Over the intervening decades, that number fell below two percent, the result of racism, discrimination, and dispossession. The film chronicles Penniman and two other Black farmers’ efforts to reclaim their agricultural heritage. Collectively, their work has a major impact, as each is a leader in sustainable agriculture and food justice movements.

The screening is free with museum admission, no registration required.