Over Here, Over Here! U.S. Propaganda and the Arts of World War I

January 26 - May 13, 2017

About the Exhibition

This Centennial Commemoration (1917-1918) documents the propaganda techniques utilized by federal, state and local governments to draw every citizen into the European conflict. On a local level, as well as national, the dissemination of information on the staging and progress of the war was vital.

War propaganda was employed to increase the production of materials, raise money to support the war effort, and boost the enlistment of the military. Propaganda in the form of newspapers, posters, artwork, music, pamphlets, public addresses and newsreels contributed to the public’s understanding of involvement in the war on a collective and personal level.

The exhibition features displays of original propaganda posters, including J.M. Flagg’s iconic I Want You for U.S. Army (Uncle Sam), and original songs and song sheets illustrated by the likes of Norman Rockwell. Particular attention is given to local war efforts, allowing the viewer to be immersed in the milieu of the Miami/Oxford community at the time.

The exhibition includes selections from the Miami University Art Museum collection; the University of South Carolina’s Joseph M. Bruccoli Great War Collection; the National World War I Museum; Miami University and The Western College Memorial Archive Collections; and the collection of Celia Malone Kingsbury.

Online Exhibit: Over Here, Over Here!

Exhibition Programming

For Home & Country: World War I Propaganda on the American Homefront

Wednesday, February 8

Reception | 6 PM
Program | 7 PM

Celia Kingsbury, Professor of English, University of Central Missouri

Picturing Contemporary Warfare: Art in the Age of the Drone

Thursday, March 2
5:30-6:45 PM

Annie Dell’Aria, Assistant Professor, Department of Art

George Creel & the Propaganda Machine

Wednesday, March 8
5:30 PM

Jason E. Shaiman, Curator of Exhibitions, MUAM

100th Anniversary U.S. Entry into WWI

Thursday, April 6

Reception | 6 PM
Program | 7 PM

Valerie Elliot, Manager, Smith Library of Regional History, Lane Library and Jim Blount, Historian, City of Hamilton