Norman Rockwell in Stockbridge
The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. Photo/C. Danko © 2001-2009
Stockbridge is Norman Rockwell country. Blocks from the Norman Rockwell Museum, Main Street appears to have popped out of an old movie, circa 1950. The street was, in fact, the subject of a picture - not a movie, but a Norman Rockwell painting, Home for Christmas (1967). The painting shows snow-covered shops being passed at dusk by a red car transporting a Christmas tree.
Some of the stores along Main Street remain shrines to 20th century American culture. Inside the gift shop or the country store, Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball still rule. Framed images captured from scenes from The Wizard of Oz and It's a Wonderful Life are for sale. You can purchase "olde fashioned" stick candy, fresh maple syrup, and a Betty Boop lunch box to carry them in.
Norman Rockwell lived in Stockbridge during the later years of his life, moving there from Vermont in 1953. In the 70s he established a trust, which later became the museum. His last studio was moved to the museum's 36-acre grounds and is open to visitors May through October. The museum is filled with illustrations and paintings from Rockwell's long and productive career, which produced more than 1,000 works. Rockwell is well known for his work for The Saturday Evening Post, for which he created illustrations for covers, advertisements, and feature stories. But he also worked on other projects, including "The Four Freedoms." The four paintings were created during WWII to help raise money for Washington's war effort. They were reproduced by the Post with essays by writers. The paintings inspired patriotism by reminding Americans that their way of life was worth fighting for. They are currently on display at Stockbridge's museum.
The museum is open year-round, but Rockwell's studio is closed during winter months. There is an admission fee, $10 for adults at the time of this writing.
Of Note
Every year in the beginning of December, Stockbridge recreates the image featured in Rockwell's Home for Christmas painting. A red car is driven through town with a Christmas tree. The town parks antique cars along Main Street while the residents dress up in 60s-style clothing to become part of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Getting There
From I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), get off at exit 2, taking Rt. 102 west into Stockbridge center. If you wish to continue to the museum, turn right onto Church Street, Rt. 102. Look for signs pointing the way. Turn left onto Route 183, and the museum will be on the left.
Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
