WWII propaganda posters on display at museum
“WWII Posters — Rallying the Home Front” will be on display at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum through Dec. 31. This special exhibit of more than 500 American propaganda posters commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII.
As the U.S. sent troops to the front lines, artists were recruited to encourage those at home to do their part. Some of the illustrations have become the most iconic American images ever made such as J. Howard Miller’s stern image of Rosie the Riveter below the words, “We Can Do It!” Be prepared for an emotionally powerful and artistically fascinating experience.
When Britain and France went to war with Germany in 1939, Americans were divided over whether to join the war effort. It wouldn’t be until the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 that the United States would be thrust into WWII. Once U.S. troops were sent to the front lines, hundreds of artists were put to work to create posters that would rally support on the home front.
To preserve resources for the war effort, posters championed carpooling to save on gas, warned against wasting food and urged people to collect scrap metal to recycle into military materials. While many posters touted positive patriotic messages, some tapped fear to rally support for the Allied side and caution against leaking information to spies. “Loose Lips Sink Ships” became a famous saying. Meanwhile, graphic images depicted a blood-thirsty Adolph Hitler and racist imagery of Japanese people with sinister, exaggerated features.
Today the posters offer a glimpse into the nation’s climate during WWII and how propaganda was used to link the home front to the front lines.
The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum encourages all patrons to take appropriate health and safety precautions. To familiarize yourself with the new COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.jhmuseum.org.
JHM is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 300 N. Whitewoman St. in Historic Roscoe Village. For more information call JHM at 740-622-8710 or visit www.jhmuseum.org.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
