North America Divided, which explores themes of social and territorial division and transformation in America throughout the 1800s to today, is now on view at the museum. The installation pairs 19th-century landscapes and genre scenes with works by contemporary artists Neil Jenney and Valerie Hegarty.

The landscape paintings done in the early 19th century glorified the American wilderness and helped to promote Manifest Destiny.

Hegarty and Jenney offer cautionary tales about Manifest Destiny and the cost of human progress while still paying homage to 19th century painters. While their landscape scenes appear under the threat of destruction, both convey optimism.

The New Britain Museum of American Art is located on 56 Lexington Street in New Britain.