“Helen Hunt Jackson” by Jim Egan. Generously donated by the Jackson Emery Foundation with support by Jim Egan.
“As a descendant of Helen Hunt Jackson, I’m happy to be here representing my extended Jackson family of siblings, nieces, and cousins.
We were all raised with Helen Hunt Jackson as a powerful presence in our lives. As children, we visited the Helen Hunt Jackson home where three generations of the Jackson family had lived (including our parents) before it was dismantled and became the central feature of the exhibit here at the museum.
As children, we learned that Helen Hunt Jackson had been a forceful and articulate voice decrying the many abuses suffered by Native Americans at the hands of our own government. And, of course, we knew she had written her novel Ramona to help convey that message to a wider audience. Little did she know her novel would be scooped up by Hollywood to be made into three feature films over the years — and that a play based on Ramona would be written and produced annually for more than 100 years in the town of Hemet, California, close to the site of her novel. Through those productions — and through the Pioneers Museum — her work and her story have become a living legacy.
However, it’s also true that she was born almost 200 years ago. And she died 140 years ago.
Which makes her sound rather ancient.
Yet the injustices she wrote about and spoke about are unfortunately not ancient history.
We need the voice of Helen Hunt Jackson now more than ever!
Fortunately, along came Jim Egan’s brilliant portrait of Helen Hunt Jackson. It was first unveiled at a ceremony in Palm Springs last April, where Helen Hunt Jackson was recognized with a posthumous star on the Palm Springs walk of stars. (Everyone here should be sure to visit her star when you next travel to southern California.)
Today, the Jackson family is delighted to see this portrait become part of the collection at the Pioneers Museum. It ushers Helen Hunt Jackson into the 21st century — helping bridge the gap between the 1880s and today — and keeps us focused on the importance of the work she did in support of listening to diverse voices and fighting for equality for all people in our country.
Thanks to Leah and Matt for ensuring this could happen. And thanks to all of you for joining us in this celebration.”
