The Norman Rockwell Museum:

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Broomall at DANJOLELL Memorial Homes

Our Community Written by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of DANJOLELL Memorial Home

One of the most recognizable buildings along West Chester Pike in Broomall is the DANJOLELL Memorial Home. But did you know that the iconic octagonal building is also home to the largest private collection of Norman Rockwell memorabilia in the United States?

The Norman Rockwell Museum on the lower level was established by Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr. Many years ago, Bob began collecting Norman Rockwell memorabilia – everything from plates and drawings to figurines and bound copies of The Saturday Evening Post, which made Rockwell famous.

Every room on the lower level is a tribute to Norman Rockwell

Today, the entire lower level of the funeral home serves not only as a tribute to Rock-well and his art, but also as a welcome distraction for grieving families. When a family loses a loved one and needs to make funeral arrangements,the family and a funeral director use a private room on the comforting lower level to discuss private matters such as viewing and funeral arrangements and choosing a casket or an urn as a final resting place. They also have rooms for families to relax and a children’s area to keep the kids occupied.

As visitors walk down the center staircase, they cannot help but see the amazing display of Norman Rockwell pieces in the foyer area. But that is just the beginning. Every room on this spacious level is filled with Rockwell’s work. There is even a large vestibule area named The Rockwell Museum, with hundreds of plates on display in lighted glass cabinets.

Norman Rockwell’s “Triple Self Portrait”, 1960

Robert, Sr., has long been a fan of Norman Rockwell’s art, his work ethic and his iconic depictions of Americana. Rockwell was fiercely determined to become a successful artist and, at the age of 14, enrolled in art classes. By age 16, he had left high school to study under influential artists, Thomas Fogarty and George Bridgman, and shortly thereafter, was named the Art Director of Boys’ Life, the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America.

By the time Rockwell was 22 years old, he painted his first cover for The Saturday Evening Post. Over the next 47 years, Norman Rockwell painted over 300 of the magazine’s covers. His most famous covers include “Freedom From Want,” the third of the “Four Freedoms” series that became a symbol of family togetherness, peace, and plenty; “Rosie the Riveter,” which served as a tribute to the strength and contributions of women during World War II; and “The Problem We All Live With,” which addressed the Civil Rights Movement and the beginning of desegregation in our schools.

“Freedom From Want” published in 1943

In 1969, Rockwell placed his works in the custodianship of the Old Corner House Stockbridge Historical Society, later to become Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The museum is home to 998 original paintings and drawings as well as Rockwell’s art materials, his library, furnishings and personal items.

Norman Rockwell was a true entrepreneur from humble means, which is one of the reasons why Robert D’Anjolell, Sr., is an avid collector of Rockwell’s artwork. Robert, Sr., also came from a modest background, and at an early age, saved his money and opened his first funeral home in 1963, in Philadelphia’s Overbrook section. Since then, he has worked hard to achieve his dreams and now owns and manages six funeral homes in Delaware and Chester Counties.

Robert D’Anjolell, Sr., with a fraction of his collection

Bob is proud of his accomplishments and proud to own such an extensive collection of Norman Rockwell memorabilia. Robert, Sr., his family and his staff welcome you to visit The Rockwell Museum, which is open to the public. He asks that you kindly call ahead of time to arrange a visit that is mutually convenient. You can reach DANJOLELL Memorial Homes by calling 610-356-4200.