Verizon gives painting to Rockwell museum

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass., March 12 (UPI) -- Verizon announced Wednesday it has donated "The Lineman," a 1948 painting by Norman Rockwell, to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.

The oil-on-canvas painting of a telephone lineman is worth about $2 million, Verizon officials said.

Originally created for an advertisement for New England Telephone, a predecessor company of Verizon, "The Lineman" was officially presented to Laurie Norton Moffatt, the museum's director and chief executive officer, by Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

"This is a sentimental but proud day for us," Cupelo said at the donation ceremony at the museum. "We in the Verizon family loved this painting and enjoyed it for many, many years; it perfectly symbolizes our heritage and our commitment to our customers. At the same time, we recognize that its rightful place is with the museum so that it can be enjoyed by everyone."

Moffatt noted that thanks to Verizon's gift, "the public will be able to enjoy this magnificent painting forever."

"'The Lineman' joins Norman Rockwell Museum's distinguished collection of Rockwell's work that tells the story of America," Moffatt said, adding the "acquisition of this iconic painting deeply enriches the museum's collection."