The Tri-Cities Historical Museum acquired its first Lewis Cross painting, a still life, in 1969. Since then, the Museum’s collection has grown to 22 paintings by this celebrated local artist. He painted a variety of subjects, from still lifes and maritime scenes to local landscapes and those encountered on his travels. 

Cross was recognized for capturing local landscapes and events. ‘The Great Log Jam’ captured the well-documented log jam along the Grand River in 1883. He was most famous in his own lifetime for his paintings of Passenger Pigeons, which he saw flying in the sky as a boy and painted later in life.

Museum archives also show that Cross’ work was both studied and emulated by local students and artists. Cora Edge, art teacher at Central High School, in a photo from 1951, shows "Passenger Pigeons"to her students. We can easily imagine the lessons in movement, color, and form she might have shared. 

In 2020, Cross’ self-portrait, which he painted later in life, was sent out for conservation to repair delamination and cracking. The painting was carefully cleaned to remove old varnish and prior in-painting. These efforts have both refreshed the painting and extended its life span so that many future generations of Museum visitors will be able to recognize the artist along with his works.