Some of America’s great painting treasures are not found on art museum walls.

Instead, they can be found in more mundane spaces such as post offices and public school buildings. The subjects of the paintings, the color and the compositions allude to another time. Why are these beautiful works of art there?  Who painted them? How were they painted and what is their significance?  

Nestled in central Delaware is the town of Smyrna.  Historically a center of agriculture and the shipping industry the town today boasts business, industry and residential suburban communities as Delaware’s population migrates south.  Within the central business area many beautiful historical buildings allude to Smyrna’s rich historical past. One of the most notable buildings is John Bassett Moore Middle School.  Originally built in 1922 and restored in 1938 and 1978, the building houses a collection of six murals that have recently been rediscovered as part of the school’s most recent restoration.

In 2000 the Smyrna School District began a massive reconfiguration of schools.  Part of the reconfiguration was a complete restoration of John Bassett Moore to its original glory.  For generations Smyrna students passed through the building and were familiar with the paintings. However, district officials (some of whom are alumni of the school) believed them to have some historical significance and plans were made to assess the value of the paintings and have them removed during the restoration of the building.