The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation

Collections

     The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation has many of the paintings that served as covers for the Literary Digest, an early Funk and Wagnalls Publication. The works of many prominent illustrators who worked for the Funk and Wagnalls publishing house are on display at various times. Among those represented in our collection are Norman Rockwell, J.F. Kernan, F.X.Leyendecker, and John Ward Dunsmore who was a special friend and official portrait artist to the Wagnalls family.

     Other collections include 20th century Japanese dolls, bells from around the world, autographs and photographs to Mabel including Harry Houdini’s, poems by Edwin Markham, and Letters to Lithopolis, from O’Henry to Mabel Wagnalls (letters written between a young Mabel Wagnalls and who she thought was the author, O’Henry).

The Original Norman Rockwells

     Norman Rockwell’s (1894-1978) special talents show as magnificent illustrations on two early covers of the Literary Digest. Each painting was researched and done with great care to accompany a magazine theme or an article included in the specific publication. Original paintings are on display throughout the year during special events only.

      The Wagnalls Memorial has prints of and mugs with these two works available for purchase in the library. Please visit the library to purchase these gift items and a portion of the sale will support the Wagnalls Memorial Foundation.

The Dildine Chinese Collection

     Also included in the Wagnalls’ collections is the Dildine collection of the Chinese artifacts. Colonel Seth and Mrs. Evelyn Dildine collected these treasures while he was serving as a veterinarian for the U.S. Army in China. At their death, they bequeathed their collection to the Wagnalls Memorial Foundation. The collection contains ivory carvings, snuff bottles, jade, silks, and porcelain from the 18th-20th centuries.

Tours and Souvenirs

We are always delighted to share our beautiful facility, but we request that an appointment be made to plan adequate time and to arrange for a guide. Tours are free, though we are grateful for you donations which will support our continuous operation of the Memorial and the foundation and its programs. Tours of our facility can be arranged by contacting:

Sandra Hall
614. 837.4765 extension 121
shall@wagnalls.org

Souvenirs including Norman Rockwell prints and mugs, editions of Mabel Wagnalls Jones books, watercolor by Dick Weiser, postcards, and ornaments are available for purchase when visiting the library during normal operating hours. A portion of the proceeds support the continuous operation of the Memorial and the foundation and its programs.