The Lower Pearl River Valley Transportation Museum in Picayune received a new item to hang in its exhibit on Tuesday, after David Fred Smith donated a number of collectibles, including a vintage print of a famous painting.
Printed in 1941, the “Sentinel of Freedom” depicts an American flag resting atop a flagpole. In the background of the painting there is a colorful landscape with sunbeams poking through the clouds in the sky. Smith, who is also known as “The Quilt Man,” said the print symbolizes the longest time in America’s history that the country was at peace.
Smith found the print within his grandfather’s belongings, who was a “picker” in Virginia. He has no immediate family in the area, so he chose to donate it to the museum.
In addition to the print, Smith donated a number of Christmas collectibles, as well as some hand-made Christmas tree skirts that were made by his mother.
Picayune City Manager Jim Luke thanked Smith on behalf of the city of Picayune for his generous donations.
The Lower Pearl River Valley Transportation Museum is located in the Transportation and Tourism Center on 200 Highway 11 South in Picayune. Tours are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.