Norman Rockwell Museum

Here it is finally. Sorry it has taken me so long.

I got to go home for 2 weeks this year to visit my family and go to one of my oldest friend's wedding. Congrats again Ash and Greg!

One of my favorite places I visited while I was home was the Norman Rockwell Museum,. Normally I wouldn't have gone because it is a little on the pricier side, $16 per adult. Thankfully, the museum I work for in Golden, CO is part of the NARM (NARM website ) and as a staff member we are allowed the privilege to use it. This allows us to see museums for free, if the other museum is also part of NARM.







The Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM)is located in Stockbridge, MA. A quaint little, quiet town tucked in the hills of the Berkshires in Western Mass. "Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary."1 "The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 998 original paintings and drawings. Rockwell lived in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life."1 His studio was moved from downtown Stockbridge to the museum grounds it is open to the public, May through October. The museum is a not-for-profit educational institution.





Norman Rockwell was born in New York City, NY, February 3rd, 1894, Norman Rockwell always knew that he wanted to be an artist. "At age 14, Rockwell enrolled in art classes at The New York School of Art (formerly The Chase School of Art). Two years later, in 1910, he left high school to study art at The National Academy of Design."2

His best known work even today people know it from The Saturday Evening Post. My mom actually owns one. I couldn't tell you if it's original or a replica, I'm going with replica myself. This is the one she has-

 

I definitely could tell you that one of his most popular paintings is the Thanksgiving gathering. With everyone smiling around the table, with the heads of the household serving up the turkey.

 

Even with these amazing paintings there was controversy with some of them, depending on the time period but that is definitely a story for another time. The Saturday Evening Post, is still around to this day, but I can definitely tell you it is not the same as when Mr. Rockwell was doing the covers. I was very happy to get to see this museum. It is definitely a must see! I was fortunate to be visiting the museum right after the newest temporary exhibit opened in the museum. The 1937 art works of Disney's Snow White. It was amazing!

 

I would have to say my favorite piece in the museum (besides of course the Disney exhibit) would be Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

(sorry the pic is very small)

 

 

 

 

"In 1973, Rockwell established a trust to preserve his artistic legacy by placing his works in the custodianship of the Old Corner House Stockbridge Historical Society, later to become Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge. The trust now forms the core of the Museum’s permanent collections. In 1976, in failing health, Rockwell became concerned about the future of his studio. He arranged to have his studio and its contents added to the trust. In 1977, Rockwell received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom."2 He passed away November 8th, 1978.

 



Next up on A Mile above the Syrup: Susan B Anthony Birthplace

1. http://www.nrm.org/about/museum-history/
2. http://www.nrm.org/about-2/about-norman-rockwell/