The Boy Scouts of America aims to compensate hundreds of former scouts who suffered sexual abuse by selling its art collection, including historic Norman Rockwell paintings.
The collection of more than 300 works is estimated to be worth approximately $60 million, according to .Associated Press.
Rockwell is known for his paintings featured in the Saturday Evening Post and illustrations for popular books such as “Tom Sawyer'' and “Huckleberry Finn.'' He maintained a 64-year association with the Boy Scouts of America, publishing his work in the organization's magazine Scout Life.
“I think the idea that the iconic art collection that the Boy Scouts have amassed over the years will be liquidated to pay reparations to the survivors and bring some measure of justice to them is very important,” the former bankrupt said. Judge Barbara Hauser said. He told The Associated Press that he oversees the Family Settlement Trust.
This organization was founded in 1910. Four years ago, more than 80,000 men across the country filed for bankruptcy, alleging they were abused as children by their troop leaders.
Boy Scouts of America commits $2.4 billion in response to federal rulingbankruptcy planThis allowed the organization to continue its work while compensating survivors.
To date, thousands of survivors have received one-time payments of $3,500.
Heritage Auctions in Dallas is currently overseeing the sale of Boy Scouts of America art, with the first auction scheduled for Friday afternoon.
As well as auctioning off its extensive art collection, the group has also sold more than 30 council properties as of last month.
“The reality for most survivors is that this only solves bankruptcy, it doesn't solve their pain, it doesn't solve what was taken from them,” said Survivor and Co-Chair of the Victims Representative Committee. says Doug Kennedy. he told the Associated Press.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
