STOCKBRIDGE, MASS.- In celebration of Black History Month, Norman Rockwell Museum has partnered with Google to share artworks and artifacts from its permanent collection, that illustrate Norman Rockwell’s dedication to civil rights. Available through the Google Cultural Institute website, "Norman Rockwell In The Age of the Civil Rights Movement" presents Rockwell’s paintings, rarely seen studies, reference photos, and correspondence relating to his important works created during the period; the online exhibition joins over 4000 new items –including 80 exhibits and three expeditions—that document different moments throughout African American history.

Norman Rockwell Museum’s Director of Digital Engagement and Learning, Rich Bradway notes that "most people view Norman Rockwell as synonymous with American ideals, yet few are aware of his later career shift to illustrate human rights issues. By collaborating with Google Cultural Institute, we are able to reach millions more than visit us here in Stockbridge, to show how Rockwell’s imagery influenced a national dialogue that remains relevant 50 years later."

Together with the Museum’s curatorial staff, Bradway compiled 50 digital resources related to the project. Three notable Rockwell Civil Rights era works are featured: "The Problem We All Live With" (1964); "Murder in Mississippi" (1965); and "New Kids in the Neighborhood" (1967); all created for "Look" magazine, after Rockwell ended his 40-year relationship with "The Saturday Evening Post." Studies and photographic reference materials related to the works are included, detailing the artist’s meticulous process; personal letters to Rockwell about these paintings were selected from the Museum’s vast archive of correspondence and ephemera.

"The Google Cultural Institute supports Norman Rockwell Museum’s goal of making broad public access to our collections and related content to audiences around the globe," adds Museum Deputy Director/Chief Curator, Stephanie Plunkett. "We are pleased to participate in this expansive effort, and look forward to the responses of new viewers who encounter Rockwell’s art online."

Norman Rockwell Museum has previously partnered with Google in 2012, as one of the newest collaborators on Google Art Project, the company’s online art database; and again in 2013, when its curators took part in a live Google Art Talk looking at Norman Rockwell’s artistic inspirations. Attracting a worldwide audience, both projects have been archived and can be viewed at: www.google.com/culturalinstitute/project/art-project