Page 7 - Talladegan SP 4 Flipbook
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Hale Woodruff
Dr. Buell Gallagher
Dr. William R. Harvey
The Amistad Murals are Home
On Display in the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art
The presence of Hale Woodruff’s masterpieces in our They were restored by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta
nation’s top museums, including the Metropolitan Museum and sent on a three-year, eight-city tour. Following the
of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Gallery tour, which received rave reviews from the New York Times,
of Art, is a testament to his profound influence on 20th the murals were placed in storage for safekeeping. Now,
century art and the enduring value of his work. Fortunately, after years of anticipation, the College has opened a secure,
Talladega College has the distinction of owning Woodruff’s temperature-controlled museum worthy of the murals,
magnum opus - the Amistad Murals. which are now valued at $50 million. A ribbon cutting for
the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art was held on
The works were commissioned by former Talladega College January 31, 2020.
President Dr. Buell Gallagher, who asked Woodruff to paint
six panels illustrating the rise of African Americans from The museum is named in honor of Talladega College
slavery to freedom. The first three panels, the Amistad alumnus and Hampton University President Dr. William R.
Murals, were completed in 1939. The works depict scenes Harvey ‘61. Dr. Harvey, who donated over a million dollars
from the Amistad slave ship uprising, the ensuing court case toward the museum, is 100% owner of the Pepsi Cola
and the return to Africa. The second set of murals illustrate Bottling Company of Houghton, Michigan. Since 1978, he
the founding of the College, the construction of Savery has led Hampton with distinction and created a monumental
Library and the Underground Railroad. legacy of leadership and philanthropy.
Woodruff’s murals hung in Savery Library sans protection You too can leave a legacy by contributing to the Dr. William
from heat, cold and sun for nearly 70 years. In 2008, R. Harvey Museum of Art. For more information, contact the
Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins had the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Mr. Seddrick T.
breathtaking but slowly disintegrating murals taken down. Hill Sr., at shill@talladega.edu.
Museum Giving Levels: Naming Opportunities:
Hale Woodruff Society $1 million and above We will honor naming opportunity requests
La Amistad Society $500,000 and above in the order received.
The Mende Society $100,000 and above
Diego Rivera Society $50,000 and above • Board Room • Reflecting Pool
Cinque Society $10,000 and above • Lecture Hall • Courtyard
Savery Society $5,000 and above • Reception Lobby • Gallery 107
Heritage Society $1,000 - $4.999 • Rising Up Gallery • Benches/Wall Spaces
Friends $100 - $999
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