For centuries, artists have found inspiration in the Susquehanna River. Now some of that art has found a permanent home at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, thanks to the creativity of a local artist and the generosity of a patron.

The original oil paintings, "Over It All," "Harvest Moon, Susquehanna" and "Setting Moon," all created by Rob Evans, were presented to Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) in June, becoming part of the Visions of the Susquehanna Art Collection. Although the works were painted in Pennsylvania, their journey back to the area was a long one.

As Bill Wright, director of community giving for SNHA, explained, the paintings were originally purchased by the late Jay Cook from the artist. Upon Cook's death in 2023, the artwork passed to his estate. "When the estate announced the paintings were available for sale, Rob Evans contacted Jim Snyder, a patron of the artist," Wright shared. "Mr. Snyder generously donated funds to purchase the pieces with the stipulation that they become permanent fixtures in the SNHA art collection for public display."

Snyder, an avid art collector from York County who now lives in Atlanta, presented the paintings in the perfect way to represent their subject. He arrived at the Zimmerman Center by kayak, traveling the final stages of the "444," a term that refers to the 444 miles of the Susquehanna River from its headwaters in Cooperstown, N.Y., to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Md. Snyder presented the paintings to SNHA president and CEO Mark Platts as well as Evans. In addition to working as an artist, Evans is the curator of the Visions of the Susquehanna Art Collection housed at the Zimmerman Center.

Wright said he's excited about acquiring the paintings and bringing them home. "The three paintings augment what is the largest collection of art dedicated to the Susquehanna River," he stated. "These paintings ... capture some of the grandeur and serenity of the Susquehanna River. We are truly grateful for Rob's work and for Jim Snyder's vision and generosity."

Located at 1706 Long Level Road in Wrightsville, the Zimmerman Center for Heritage is the headquarters of SNHA. It serves as the state's official visitor contact for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, America's first water-based National Historic Trail, which combines the routes of Englishman John Smith's voyages on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in 1607 to 1609. The riverfront building dates to the mid-18th century and features a variety of heritage and outdoor activities, including history exhibits. It is also part of the National Park Passport program as well as the National Park Junior Ranger program.

The three new paintings will be on display for the public during the Zimmerman Center's hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information on the Zimmerman Center, visit http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/explore-2/zimmerman-center.