As I mentioned in a previous post, I am currently spending a little bit of time each week photographing our posters, of which we have about 600. The eventual goal is to put each of these photographs in our database so that we can use them when searching for posters, but also so that visitors can see them when they search our collection online. So, here are some of my latest finds!

These first three posters are some of the more dramatic ones from WWII. The one on the left is from 1942 and encourages people to buy war bonds by indicating that it will help to keep their children safe from the Nazi’s. The colors on the poster, especially green, make it very attractive and eye-catching, which is why I like it so much. The middle one tries to make it clear that there can be serious consequences from saying too much, including death. There is another poster with the same message that features the arm of a presumably fallen soldier next to his gun. The third poster has the same message as the second and features a ship burning due to someone’s carelessness. The picture I took is ok, but seeing the poster in person is more impressive.

With the exception of the first one, this next set of posters is more cartoonish. The first is a WWI propaganda poster to encourage workers by reminding them of the importance of their work. The second, from 1942, is another reminder to keep from telling any information that could effect the war by showing the possible consequences through a little cartoon strip. The third poster is more propaganda aimed at getting people to buy war bonds, while also painting the Axis leaders as idiots.

Being able to go through the collection like I do is a pretty amazing thing, so as I continue this project, I will share my finds.