In a move that intertwines justice and art, Heritage Auctions announced Wednesday the upcoming sale of Boy Scouts of America‘s famed art collection. This auction, slated for November, aims to help survivors of sexual abuse as part of the organization‘s monumental settlement. Among the prized pieces headed for the auction block are several works by the iconic Norman Rockwell, a name forever linked to the wholesome image of American life—and the Boy Scouts.
Boy Scout Abuse Trust Art Sales: The Unveiling of a Historic Sale
The auction will feature 25 works from the Boy Scouts’ extensive 321-piece collection. These include five highly anticipated Norman Rockwell paintings, such as the revered 1961 “Homecoming” and the powerful 1964 “To Keep Myself Physically Strong.” This sale marks the beginning of a larger series of auctions, all designed to benefit the Scouting Settlement Trust, which was established to compensate over 82,000 sexual abuse survivors.
“This isn’t just an art sale; it’s a step toward justice,” said retired bankruptcy judge Barbara J. Houser, the trustee overseeing the trust. Houser emphasized the significance of the sale in offering reparations to survivors who have waited decades to have their voices heard. “Every buyer should feel proud knowing they’re not only acquiring a piece of history but also helping rebuild lives.”
A Legacy Tainted: How the Boy Scouts Reached This Point
The Boy Scouts of America, once a beacon of character-building, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2020 amidst a growing tide of sexual abuse claims from former scouts. The bankruptcy plan, approved in September 2022, established a $2.5 billion trust dedicated to compensating survivors. Part of the assets turned over to the trust included the Boy Scouts’ $59 million art collection, which boasted 59 works by Norman Rockwell, whose iconic illustrations captured the essence of the Scouts for over six decades.
