Walters Museum In Baltimore Owns Up To Confederacy Entangled Founders

William T. Walters, and his son, Henry, supported and later commemorated the Confederacy in the Civil War of the USA. A rich family, it collected art from around the world and often let people into their home to see the works for a small fee that was then donated to charity. The collection was bequeathed to the City of Baltimore “for the benefit of the public” and the city museum opened in 1934. Until recently, they were mostly know for their philanthropy.

Given the temperature of current times, the Museum thought it best to acknowledge its roots. This statement is just part of the story available on the Museum website:

“The Walters Art Museum is committed to making accessible the histories of its origins and the art that it stewards in order to ensure an environment of anti-racism, inclusivity, collaboration, and welcome for visitors, volunteers, and staff. The museum is now addressing other important aspects of its history, including an acknowledgment of the original stewards of the land on which the City of Baltimore, and subsequently the museum, was created; William and Henry Walters’ support of the Confederacy; and how their original collections reflect the typical Eurocentric worldview that drove collecting at the turn of the 20th century in the United States and across Europe. The museum will also continue to undertake thorough investigations of the histories of ownership of individual objects—commonly referred to as “provenance”—in its collections. The Walters is committed to making these histories accessible onsite and online.”

Album of Persian and Indian Miniatures, Calligraphy, and European Engravings, 11th Century~19th Century, from the Walters Museum. CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication