SALEM Burchfield Museum receives national historical recognition

The museum's director says he welcomes the national agency's assistance.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- The Burchfield Homestead Museum, on the city's North Side, is among 10 sites in the country that have recently received recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The trust has designated the Burchfield, based on the boyhood home of painter Charles Burchfield, as part of its Historic Artists' Homes and Studios group.
A private nonprofit agency, the trust's mission entails preserving historical places and revitalizing communities.
Will get help
Being recognized by the Washington, D.C.-based agency means the Burchfield will be promoted by the trust and will be eligible for professional advice from the agency on operational and preservation matters.
Grants also will be available to the museum.
"It's a great shot in the arm," Richard Wootten, Burchfield director, said Friday of the trust's recognition.
It's unlikely the museum will need to seek any grants from the trust, Wootten said. But the private nonprofit museum will benefit from the agency's expertise.
"What we need is professional guidance on how to run it," Wootten said. "Perhaps we can professionalize our operations," he added, noting that the museum relies on volunteers to operate.
To qualify
Qualifications to receive recognition from the trust include being a home or studio of a recognized American artist, possessing historical integrity, hosting educational programming and having been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Burchfield meets all those requirements, the trust determined.
The museum, 867 E. Fourth St., was Burchfield's home from 1898 to 1921.
Burchfield, who died in 1967, created more than half his paintings at the home.
Many of his works were based on views from the house's windows, and on Salem and the surrounding area.
After Burchfield's death, President Lyndon Johnson called him "artist to America." In 1956, Burchfield was named "Best U.S. watercolorist" by Time magazine.
About museum
The museum, which opened in 1999, received about 1,500 visitors this year. It's open weekends from April through November. From December through March, it's open by appointment only.
XTo arrange to visit the museum, call Wootten at (330) 332-8601. Admission is free.