The leading art of America is business?

From The Boston Guardian, article by Brendan Cassidy

(New England Diary’s editor, Robert Whitcomb, is chairman of The Boston Guardian.)

Over the last two decades Boston’s Seaport has transformed into a bustling neighborhood filled with commerce and commotion.

The neighborhood also has become a hub for arts spaces, exhibits and museums.

The latest museum coming to the Seaport is the Museum of American Finance (MAF), set to open in July.

The MAF was in Manhattan from 1989 until 2017. After a hiatus, its artifacts and exhibits will soon be back on display with no cost of admission.

Museum Deputy Director Kristin Aguilera said the museum focuses on educating people on certain aspects of finance, from the founding of the United States through the present day.

“We’re very focused on providing information and keeping people educated,” said Aguilera. “A driving factor was that we wanted it to be free.”

Aguilera said the Seaport neighborhood was an attractive location for bringing the museum back to life.

“We’re very excited about the area,” said Aguilera. “It’s really becoming a big tourist destination. We’re excited to be in a location that will attract a lot of families, tour groups and people involved with finance.”

The Seaport is also home to the Boston Children’s Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art’s Boston location, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and the Boston Fire Museum.

When the MAF opens to the public on Friday, July 3, there will be seven initial exhibits on display.

The seven exhibits are Personal Finance, Alexander Hamilton Experience, Investing in US Financial History, Hub of Innovation, The Future of Finance, A Financial Revolution and America in Circulation will all offer something different to attendees.

The Hub of Innovation exhibit will focus specifically on Boston. It will feature an interactive map and will allow guests to read documents and stories regarding finance around the city and state.

Aguilera said the museum should have something for everyone. For the younger audience, The Future of Finance could be a main appeal, focusing on topics like cryptocurrency.

“A lot of words people have heard recently but may not be so sure what they mean,” said Aguilera.

Other items on display will be checks signed by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, counterfeiting and anti-counterfeiting displays and original financial material from the Revolutionary War era.

Aguilera said the museum is excited to welcome in classes of students from middle and high schools around Boston. Education programs will be a priority and should help students learn more about certain aspects of finance.

The MAF will be open Wednesday through Sunday and is at 200 Seaport Blvd.