Founded in 1976, Norman Rockwell Museum features the nationally recognized collection of Rockwell — a gifted illustrator. The collections, located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, are reminiscent of Rockwell’s Vermont years and the entire span and diversity of his career.
The museum serves as a main source for Rockwell’s art, prints, figurines, plates, Boy Scout art, Saturday Evening Post covers, books, and gifts. A chronological display of more than 2,500 magazine covers, advertisements, and illustrations form the prime attraction in the museum. The prints come either matted or in a solid oak frame with a hand cut, beveled mat in an elegant straw parchment color. Embossed prints also are available.
The figurines in the collection are a blend of the finest detail and quality. Limited edition figurines are numbered and include a certificate of authenticity. Collector plates found there are made of porcelain and are graced with a wide 23-karat, gold-etched border.
One of the most popular collections in the museum is the Boy Scout prints, which are beautifully framed in solid oak. It was the passion of Rockwell to be a good scout, and his dream was accomplished in 1924, when he created his first Boy Scout calendar. Most of the Post covers are accompanied by mailing labels, and some may show signs of age.
Collectables, among many others in the gift section, are decorative candle corks, lap trays, magnets, puzzle cubes, musical jewelry boxes, and table lamps. Also on display are the "Four Freedoms" — a series of paintings rendered by Rockwell after World War II. Those paintings were preserved by the government as a means to enhance family values, unity, and patriotism, at a time when it was most needed.