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Harding High reveals restored Warren G. Harding portrait; restoration cost $1,900, presenter says
Summary
A portrait of President Warren G. Harding that had been in the high school collection was restored and unveiled at the Sept. 15 Marion City Schools Board meeting. Presenter Brett McCreery traced the painting’s provenance and said the restoration cost $1,900, under the $5,000 the board had initially authorized.
Brett McCreery, a Marion educator and local historian, unveiled a restored portrait of President Warren G. Harding at the Sept. 15 Marion City Schools Board of Education meeting and described how the painting came into the high school’s possession.
McCreery said the portrait was painted by P.W. Muncy in November 1921 and that Marion’s canvas is likely the original, signed copy. He summarized archival research showing two versions existed: an original and a copy. He said the copy is on display at the Harding Presidential site; Marion’s painting had been in the high school collection since a 1958 gift and had shown significant damage when McCreery removed it from display in 2022.
McCreery described contacting the Ohio History Connection and connecting with restorer David Terry, who performed the conservation work. McCreery told the board the painting’s frame appears to date from 1958 and showed photographs of cracking, paint loss and a torn canvas before restoration.
The restorationist, David Terry (introduced in McCreery’s remarks), patched and cleaned the canvas, and McCreery said Terry estimated the work should preserve the portrait for another century. McCreery told the board that although the board had approved up to $5,000 for the project, the final cost was $1,900.
Board President Weidling and other members praised McCreery and Mr. Terry; members discussed where the restored portrait should be displayed for safety and public access. McCreery recommended the portrait be placed behind the main office desk; Weidling accepted the recommendation on the record.
McCreery also proposed the high school be a stop for Marion’s 250th anniversary programming in January 2026 so visitors can see the portrait and hear its provenance.
No contract action was required at the meeting; administrators said the finance committee had previously discussed the estimate and authorized funding for restoration.
