DALLAS — A recent auction brought in over $3.7 million from a selection of artwork belonging to the Boy Scouts of America, aimed at compensating individuals who experienced sexual abuse while involved in scouting. This auction, held on Friday, featured 25 pieces from a broader collection of over 300 that will be auctioned by Heritage Auctions in Dallas over the coming years. When considering the standard buyer’s premium included in the final sales, the total raised exceeds $4.6 million.
In 2020, facing numerous sexual abuse allegations, the Boy Scouts sought bankruptcy protection. The $2.4 billion bankruptcy settlement enabled the organization to maintain operations while facilitating payments to survivors. This plan commenced its implementation last year.
Additional funds for the survivors’ settlement trust are also being generated through contributions from insurance companies and the sale of various Boy Scout properties.
The auction showcased artworks interlinked with American culture, with many pieces being recognizable to the public. Several of the artworks have found their way onto magazine covers, calendars, and even served promotional purposes for war bonds. Among the pieces auctioned were five out of nearly 60 works by iconic American artist Norman Rockwell.
One notable piece, Rockwell’s painting titled “To Keep Myself Physically Strong,” features a Cub Scout measuring his older Boy Scout brother’s chest, with the brother’s fitness record displayed prominently. This particular piece garnered over $1.1 million, inclusive of the buyer’s premium.
Another significant artwork, “Weapons for Liberty” by J.C. Leyendecker, illustrates a Boy Scout holding a sword before a shield-wielding Lady Liberty draped in a flag. This piece sold for $312,500, also including the buyer’s premium, and was notably used on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1918 and served as a World War I bond poster.
Barbara Houser, the retired bankruptcy judge who is overseeing the survivors’ settlement trust, reported that over 82,000 abuse claims were submitted during the bankruptcy proceedings. Out of those, more than 64,000 individuals have completed detailed questionnaires to affirm their claims.
In a statement released on Friday, Houser expressed her gratitude to all participants in the auction, emphasizing that the funds not only support the settlement but also serve as a recognition of the “decades of silent pain” that many survivors endured.
This year, the Boy Scouts announced an initiative to rebrand as Scouting America, reflecting their aim to foster a more inclusive environment. The organization now embraces participation from girls, as well as LGBTQ youth and leaders.