On the Homefront: World War I Posters from the Collection

Organized to commemorate the centennial of World War I, this installation focuses on the power of the poster to galvanize public opinion and support the country’s war efforts. 

The resulting dramatic posters, distributed at libraries and mounted on storefronts, became commonplace in every American city and appealed to the heightened sentiments of the population. As evident in this selection, citizens supported the war not only by enlisting in the armed forces but also by buying war bonds, conserving food, contributing to the Red Cross, and working in war-related production. In effect, artists and all Americans were called to duty and contributed their talents to influence the outcome of the war to end all wars.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.