HMH Enriches Northeast Museums with Generous Artwork Donation

HMH Enriches Northeast Museums with Artwork Donation

In a notable gesture blending history with cultural heritage, HMH (formerly known as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) has donated a remarkable collection of 20 original artworks to prominent museums in the Northeast. This donation, which includes 16 pieces to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, and four works to the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, serves as a meaningful contribution to preserving literary and artistic history.

The artworks provided to The Eric Carle Museum feature illustrations from beloved children’s books that have been published by HMH over the years. Renowned artists such as Chris Van Allsburg, David Wiesner, and David Wisniewski have their original works represented in this donation. One notable example from Wisniewski was recently showcased in the exhibition titled Sprites, Spells, and Splashes: Magical Beings in Picture Book Art, highlighting the significant contribution of these illustrations to the world of children’s literature.

In addition, the artwork presented to the Brandywine Museum showcases HMH’s longstanding tradition in trade publishing, with contributions from iconic American illustrators like Howard Pyle, Frank Earle Schoonover, Andrew Wyeth, and N.C. Wyeth. These illustrious pieces reflect the rich legacy and cultural significance of illustration in American history.

Jackie Bright, senior director of corporate social responsibility at HMH, expressed the importance of this donation, stating, "HMH was founded in Boston, and Massachusetts has always been a central part of our identity. Sharing these invaluable works with museums that serve our communities provides a lasting way to honor our history while ensuring accessibility for future generations."

The impact of HMH’s contribution is evident. Isabel Ruiz Cano, the associate curator at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, remarked on the significance of the donated artwork by saying, "The illustration by David Wisniewski was pivotal in bringing the exhibition Sprites, Spells, and Splashes to life. We are grateful for HMH's generosity as we build a collection that celebrates the diverse history of picture book art."

Likewise, Thomas Padon, the James H. Duff Director of the Brandywine Museum of Art, praised the importance of the donation: "HMH has played a critical role in shaping the story of American illustration by commissioning many of the most distinguished artists of their time. This extraordinary gift will have a permanent and inspiring home at Brandywine, motivating visitors and scholars for generations to come."

HMH's legacy is intricately woven into the fabric of American education and literature. With nearly two centuries of history, the organization has positioned itself as a leading provider of K-12 educational solutions across the country. Catering to 90% of schools in the United States, HMH today stands as a technology-forward learning company committed to fostering growth for every student.

As a pillar in the educational landscape, HMH supports more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries, providing a comprehensive array of curriculum, assessment, and professional learning solutions. Their mission continues to be a catalyst for change in the educational sector.

This generous artwork donation reflects HMH’s commitment to maintaining a connection between education, art, and community, and serves to inspire the next generation while preserving a vital part of American cultural history.