Evening with Rockwell

Evening with Rockwell: An Exclusive Viewing

June ushers in longer days and warm summer nights. It also heralds evenings of art and conversation at the Military Women’s Memorial.

Join us for Happy Hour and an exclusive viewing of a never-before-seen original work by the iconic American artist Norman Rockwell. The piece, a stunning original sketch, measuring 21 x 35 inches, is the maquette drawing for the Women In the Armed Forces bas-relief panel featured on the Women’s Memorial Bell Tower at the Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire.

A brief respite from the stress of the day, the Military Women’s Memorial Evening with Rockwell offers happy hour beverages and snacks, exclusive viewing of an American treasure, commentary about the piece and a private viewing of the Memorial’s newest exhibition, Summer With the Arts: Healing, Freedom, Family, a UnitingUS exhibit featuring works of art by veterans or their family members.

Dates: June 10, 17, and 24, from 5:15-6:45 PM.

Location: Military Women’s Memorial, gateway Arlington National Cemetery

Cost: $59.99 per person which includes: hors d’oeuvres, beer, wines, soda and water. A $10 discount is offered for those purchasing tickets 5 days in advance of each evening event.

Rockwell and the Story of America’s Women:

Norman Rockwell reflected the American experience and identity through, among other work, his covers for the Saturday Evening Post, however his work also notes the diversity within the American experience. Rockwell seems to take special care to create images defining not only the American identity, but more specifically the experience of women in America. His career, from his first Saturday Evening Post cover in 1916 and going well into the 1970s, overlapped with almost constant progression in women’s rights. From the decision of Congress to endorse the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, a great success for the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), to the flight of Amelia Earhart in 1932, and the shifting roles of women during World War II era of the 1940s.

Upon conclusion of these exclusive Evenings with Rockwell, the Women In the Armed Forces maquette drawing will be loaned to the Cathedral of the Pines, the nationally renowned memorial in southern New Hampshire. Among its many monuments is the Women’s Memorial Bell Tower, which is believed to be the first monument in the United States devoted specifically to the service and sacrifice of women. Four large bronze bas-relief plaques, designed by Norman Rockwell and cast by his son Peter, decorate the tower’s four archways. One of the bas-relief plaques is called Women in the Armed Forces and represents the women of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Group Reservation Policy

Groups may book the entire venue for the evening for a total of 125 guests per event. Cost $5,000 for total event. Contact Donna Houle, Senior Director, Memorial Engagement and Impact by email to dhoule@womensmemorial.org with questions about group reservations.

About Summer With The Arts

The Military Women’s Memorial in collaboration with UnitingUS, Community Building Art Works and Armed Services Arts Partnership, offers summer-long creative programming for the military-affiliated community. Our Education Center continues to serves as a space for relevant conversation about the healing benefits of the arts through a powerful exhibit and events for visitors of all ages! The presenting sponsor of Summer With The Arts is OptumServe.

About the Military Women's Memorial

We are the leading memorial and education center honoring women’s contributions to the service of our nation.  As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, we educate and inspire through innovative and interactive exhibitions, our world-class collections, and engaging programs and events for all generations. We honor the commitment, contributions and experiences of every woman who serves in, or with, the Armed Forces.