Wagnalls Memorial Foundation

Exhibits

In addition to the administrative offices the 1960 addition houses a gallery, dedicated to American Illustrators. Many of the paintings 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 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.

Other collections include Japanese dolls, autographs, photographs, poems by Edwin Markham, O'Henry letters and many paintings by John Ward Dunsmore. These may be found on display throughout our facility (some on a rotating bases.)

Exhibition Of America Illustration

The Norman Rockwell Collection

Norman Rockwell (1894 - 1978) Norman Rockwell's special talents show as magnificent illustrations on two early covers of the Literary Digest. Each painting was done with great care and researched 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.

Norman Rockwell Friends and Allies  Oil on canvas  30" x 29"  April 19, 1919	Norman Rockwell The Boutonniere Oil on canvas  27" x 25"  April 15, 1922

The Dildine Chinese Collection

Also on permanent exhibit is the Dildine collection of Chinese artifacts. Colonel Seth and Mrs. Dildine collected these treasures while serving in the U.S. Army in China. At their death they bequeathed the collection to the Wagnalls Memorial. Included are ivory carvings, snuff bottles, jade, silks, and porcelain.