I’ve been at the Norman Rockwell Museum for just over a month and have been delighted by how welcoming people have been and how closely connected this community is. I’ve also discovered that people here care deeply about what’s going on around them. More than once, someone has recognized me from the news of my arrival and stopped to introduce themselves. Almost invariably, the conversation turns to the Museum and a favorite memory of a visit, or even a personal connection to Norman Rockwell. Many have asked about my impressions of life in the Berkshires as a newcomer. For one thing, I’ve learned that if you want to send someone in Stockbridge a letter, you’d better know their post office box number. I’ve discovered that transfer stations are important gathering places—not only for transferring refuse and recyclables, but also for transferring information. And I’ve learned never to take a cell phone signal for granted. Without Wi-Fi, I couldn’t use my phone at home! All joking aside, it’s heartening to discover just how much this community cherishes the Museum. It isn’t simply an institution located in Stockbridge; it’s part and parcel of what makes this community unique. One of the things that drew me here was how deeply cultural institutions are woven into life in the Berkshires. That isn’t the case everywhere, and it’s certainly something to be proud of. True to its name, the Norman Rockwell Museum houses and presents the nation’s largest collection of his works — 868 pieces strong— but we are also home to more than 24,000 works by over 350 artists, spanning the 19th century to the present. I’m excited to share more about who we are and what we do as an institution, and I suspect that even longtime visitors and friends will be surprised by what they discover. I was drawn to the Museum by the timelessness of Norman Rockwell’s art. He finds moments of humor and humanity in everyday life that we can all relate to. When confronting more serious subjects, including some of our country’s most pressing social issues, he reminds us of our core values and gives us something to aspire to. These messages feel especially relevant today. Perhaps that’s part of what has made my introduction to the Berkshires so gratifying. In the warmth, generosity, and sense of community I’ve encountered here, I’ve glimpsed many of the same qualities that Rockwell celebrated in his art. As I settle into my new home, I look forward to getting to know more of my neighbors, sharing my enthusiasm for Rockwell and countless other artists, and becoming an active part of the community beyond the walls of the Museum.