Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
nrm.org/americanstories
June 6 to October 26, 2026
This video looks at the deep and varied history of the United States of America for over the past 250 years through the lens of illustration.
But what is illustration?
Many have called it narrative art, or art that tells a story. Over time, how it tells stories has evolved, but at its core, illustration is constantly in service of meaning. What makes illustration so interesting is that it is not solely an artform made from the perspective of one person - the artist, but rather its meaning is made by many individuals and factors.
Beyond the artist, there are art directors, publishers, and editors that are involved in an image's creation. How the image is made also informs its meaning - the medium that is used, the method in which it is published and distributed, and so on. But there is yet one other facet to an illustration's meaning - the audience or consumer of the image. How they interpret an image drives meaning as well.
All three elements create meaning, and what is incredible about illustration is that its meaning can change over time as its audience and the culture in which an illustration inhabits, changes as well.
About "American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell"
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, Norman Rockwell Museum will debut a major exhibition in 2026: American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell. This sweeping exhibition explores how artists—from the Revolutionary era to today–have made visible the evolving story of America. Featuring over 200 powerful works across themed sections, American Stories reveals how illustrations—from the 18th century to today—have reflected and shaped what it means to be American.
The exhibition includes original paintings, prints, book illustrations, broadsides, posters, advertisements, and digital media, from the Museum’s expansive holdings as well as major loans from important institutions and private collectors across the country, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. From iconic masterpieces to everyday media, these works chart the nation’s ambitions, struggles, and enduring pursuit of freedom.
nrm.org/americanstories
June 6 to October 26, 2026
This video looks at the deep and varied history of the United States of America for over the past 250 years through the lens of illustration.
But what is illustration?
Many have called it narrative art, or art that tells a story. Over time, how it tells stories has evolved, but at its core, illustration is constantly in service of meaning. What makes illustration so interesting is that it is not solely an artform made from the perspective of one person - the artist, but rather its meaning is made by many individuals and factors.
Beyond the artist, there are art directors, publishers, and editors that are involved in an image's creation. How the image is made also informs its meaning - the medium that is used, the method in which it is published and distributed, and so on. But there is yet one other facet to an illustration's meaning - the audience or consumer of the image. How they interpret an image drives meaning as well.
All three elements create meaning, and what is incredible about illustration is that its meaning can change over time as its audience and the culture in which an illustration inhabits, changes as well.
About "American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell"
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, Norman Rockwell Museum will debut a major exhibition in 2026: American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell. This sweeping exhibition explores how artists—from the Revolutionary era to today–have made visible the evolving story of America. Featuring over 200 powerful works across themed sections, American Stories reveals how illustrations—from the 18th century to today—have reflected and shaped what it means to be American.
The exhibition includes original paintings, prints, book illustrations, broadsides, posters, advertisements, and digital media, from the Museum’s expansive holdings as well as major loans from important institutions and private collectors across the country, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. From iconic masterpieces to everyday media, these works chart the nation’s ambitions, struggles, and enduring pursuit of freedom.
