Milton Historical Society displays World War II poster art exhibit at the Milton Public Library

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Milton Historical Society has put together a sampling of World War II poster art from their collection. These are now on display in the Milton History Room located on the 2nd floor of the Milton Public Library. This exhibit will be open to the public for the next 3-4 months.

These World War II posters provide a unique glimpse into an era before television and the internet when the government, artists and marketers were challenged to communicate to the general public in a way that would simply and assuredly convey important messages.

Poster and film images glorified and glamorized the roles of working women and suggested that a woman’s femininity need not be sacrificed. Whether fulling their duty in the home, factory, office or military, women were portrayed as attractive, confident and resolved to do their part to win the war.

During the war years, gasoline, rubber, sugar, butter and meat were rationed.  Government publicity reminded people that shortages of these materials occurred because they were going to the troops and that as civilians should take part in their conservation and salvage campaigns.

The United States spent more than $300 billion fighting the Axis powers and supplying our Allies. To help fund this effort, the U. S. Treasury offered Americans a series of War Bonds they could purchase during the war. A War Bond was both an investment in one’s country and in one’s financial future.

Sources: The National Archives and Records “Powers of Persuasion” Poster Art from World War II, The National WWII Museum, New Orleans.