National Day

National Grandma Moses Day

Celebrated on 09/07/2026

Quick Fact

National Grandma Moses Day, celebrated on September 7th, honors the iconic American folk artist who didn't start painting until she was 78 years old. Her vibrant, nostalgic scenes of rural life earned her international fame, and she continued creating art well into her 100s.

Origins and Establishment of National Grandma Moses Day

National Grandma Moses Day was established to commemorate the birth of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, who was born on September 7, 1860. The holiday was officially recognized through a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on September 7, 1982, which would have been her 122nd birthday. The resolution was introduced by Representative Gerald B. Solomon of New York, whose district included her hometown of Hoosick Falls.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its establishment, National Grandma Moses Day has been observed annually on September 7th. Initially, celebrations were localized in upstate New York, with events in her home community and at the Bennington Museum in Vermont, which houses the largest public collection of her works. Over time, the day has gained broader recognition through art exhibitions, educational programs, and social media campaigns that highlight her inspiring story of late-life creativity. Today, it serves as a reminder that artistic expression has no age limit.

Facts & General Observations

  • Grandma Moses began painting at age 78 after arthritis made embroidery too difficult.
  • She produced over 1,500 paintings in her lifetime, many of which sold for thousands of dollars.
  • Her artwork appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1953, and she was featured on a U.S. postage stamp in 1969.

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