National Scouting Museum

The history of the Boy Scouts of America is the story of millions of volunteers, members, alumni, and supporters who have contributed their time and talents for the betterment of America's children. Through their support, they have helped shape the lives of more than 110 million people since 1910. At the age of nineteen, Norman Rockwell was appointed art editor of Boys’ Life magazine. Over the course of sixty-four years, the artist produced numerous Scouting illustrations for use on calendars, magazines, handbooks, and posters. Part of a long tradition of artists who helped to shape and define the image of the Boy Scouts of America, Rockwell imbued his Scouting subjects with a sense of higher purpose inspired by the organization’s principles and practice. For more than a century, the Boy Scouts have relied on illustrators to translate Scouting life into striking visual narratives. Featuring the work of Norman Rockwell, Joseph Christian Leyendecker, Walt Disney Studios, Howard Chandler Christy, Dean Cornwell, and Joseph Csatari, this new permanent installation takes a closer look at the artists behind America's largest youth organization.