FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2024

Stockbridge, MA – October 28, 2024 – Norman Rockwell Museum served as a fitting backdrop for a naturalization ceremony held in the Museum’s galleries. In a standing-room-only event, 28 individuals from 20 different countries, including Bhutan, Brazil, El Salvador, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Russia, Ukraine, and other nations, took the solemn Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming citizens of the United States.

On the walls surrounding the ceremony were the iconic portraits of Americans and American life painted by Norman Rockwell, artwork that embodies the character of the United States and the Four Freedoms outlined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Director/CEO of the Museum, Laurie Norton Moffatt, welcomed the new citizens and their families.

“It is my honor to welcome you here, and for this life-changing event,” Moffatt said. “Behind me are four of our nation’s most iconic paintings, painted by Norman Rockwell to depict the ideals our nation was born to defend and represent: Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Worship, Freedom from Fear, and Freedom from Want. We all desire and have the right to care for and provide for our children; to laugh and to love to work hard and play; to be safe and live freely; to be a friend and to have friends; to care for our fellow citizens; and to build caring communities.”

Melissa Canavan, Executive Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center, also gave a heartfelt welcome, highlighting the importance of community support for new citizens. “We’re really passionate about this and about the people we serve,” she said. “Especially at this venue that has witnessed such joy and hope. This is a celebration of your courage.”

Musical entertainment was provided by Doug Mishkin, who performed “America the Beautiful” and “Power and the Glory” and by Bill Reyburn who performed the National Anthem and “City of Immigrants.”

The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Katherine A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts. In her remarks, Judge Robertson emphasized the significance of citizenship and the shared values that unite all Americans. “This is the most joyful and meaningful part of my job,” she said. “Every day, citizens like you make meaningful contributions that strengthen our society. We need you, and we welcome you.”

The ceremony also included remarks from Tamara Figueroa, Clerk of the Court, and Shanita R. Tucker, USCIS Field Office Director, who were instrumental in ensuring that all the processes for the ceremony and the new citizens were consistent and officially validated.

Members of the American Legion J. Michael Kennedy Post 152 from Williamstown, Massachusetts, performed the posting of the colors as family members and community members looked on with pride.

About the Naturalization Process and Berkshire Immigrant Center

To obtain U.S. citizenship, one must hold legal permanent resident (green card) status for a minimum of five years (three years if married this whole time to a U.S. citizen), take an exam on U.S. history and civics, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and be of “good moral character” among other requirements. The Berkshire Immigrant Center offers assistance with every aspect of the naturalization process including screening for eligibility, application support, disability and fee waivers, advocacy with USCIS, and free citizen classes to help students prepare for their naturalization interview. Additional services include low-cost immigration legal consultations and appointments, referrals to immigration attorneys and local service providers, non-immigration legal-related consultations, translation services for RMV required documents, presentations and workshops on immigration, and distribution of emergency funds.

About Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell Museum illuminates the power of American illustration art to reflect and shape society, and advances the enduring values of kindness, respect, and social equity portrayed by Norman Rockwell. A comprehensive resource relating to Norman Rockwell and the art of illustration, American visual culture, and the role of published imagery in society, the Museum holds the world’s largest and most significant collection of art and archival materials relating to Rockwell’s life and work, while also preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting a growing collection of art by other American illustrators throughout history. The Museum engages diverse audiences through onsite and traveling exhibitions, as well as publications, arts, and humanities programs, including the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies, and comprehensive online resources.

NRM is open year-round, six days a week; closed Wednesdays. Admission is charged, Free for Kids & Teens. For details, visit the Museum online at www.NRM.org.