America at War: the Art of Propaganda, 1942 to 1945
A thought provoking exhibit of World War II posters will be on display at the White River Valley Museum, September 6 through January 21, 2007. America at War: the Art of Propaganda, 1942 to 1945 displays a collection of 40 posters all printed by United States public information offices. Their goal? To affect public opinion and inform the public about the war effort. Wartime in America is a display that by design causes one to compare and contrast public information policies then and now. The guest curator for this exhibit is Green River Community College Professor, Dr. Michelle Marshman and is sponsored by the City of Auburn Arts Commission.
In December of 1941, President Roosevelt faced the monumental task of mobilizing a nation for total war, and the Office of War Information in particular blanketed America in propaganda images to inspire, educate and motivate Americans to personal sacrifice.
Museum director Patricia Cosgrove notes that, “By today’s standards the posters are so over the top that they seem almost like pieces from Saturday Night Live.”
Military recruitment posters played on stereotypical images of masculinity, emphasizing American male physical strength, virility and undaunted courage in the face of the fascist enemy. Posters recruited women into the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) exclaiming that "this was their war too!”
Americans needed to know who and why they fought, and US government propaganda supplied the answers. The Office of War Information explained in poster format the idea that fascism threatened western civilization itself, as it captured Nazi and Japanese brutality in powerful and poignant caricature. Fearful of spies and betrayals from within, propaganda cautioned Americans against behavior that could aid the enemy and undermine the American war effort. Posters enjoining silence as a protection against spies implied that women's talk would kill fighting men, after all, "loose lips sink ships."
Program Schedule:
OCTOBER 13 – Lecture
“War, Politics and Propaganda: A Comparison of WWII and the Present War in Iraq”
5 – 6 p.m. Open House
6 – 7 p.m. Lecture
Historian and exhibit guest curator, Dr. Michelle Marshman and political scientist Dr. Lloyd Jansen, both of Green River Community College, will discuss war propaganda in posters, newspapers, cartoons, TV, radio and film. Wine and cheese will be served, and regular museum admission will be charged.
NOVEMBER 11 – Family Day: Poster Making
Within the context of World War II, “propaganda” “information” and “education” meant much the same thing; that is, they meant persuasion. Whether it’s for a later bedtime or cleaner air, at Family Day: Poster Making we invite you to create a poster advocating your cause! With paint, markers, stencils and more, you’ll inspire both the artist AND the activist within! Family Day Open House activities are always free with regular museum admission.
DECEMBER 9 – Film Screenings
Frank Capra’s Prelude to War and Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will
A dramatic back-to-back screening of two of the most influential propaganda films of all time. Prelude to War, used as a U.S. Army training film in WWII before theatrical release, asks the question of why we fight. In answering, the film explores the development of dictatorships in Italy, Germany and Japan; the rise of anti-militarism and isolationism in the USA; a look at enemy propaganda; and the first acts of aggression. Triumph of the Will is the legendary propaganda film by German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl that documents the 1934 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg, Germany. The film features a cast of thousands including Himmler, Goebbels, Hess, Goering and Hitler himself. Viewing of these films is free with regular museum admission.
About the White River Valley Museum
The White River Valley Museum is located in the Auburn Community Campus at Les Gove Park, at 918 H Street SE. Hours are 12 Noon, to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and by appointment for group tours and research. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. Wednesdays are free for everyone. For more information call 253-288-7433.
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