Reflecting a spirit of cooperation, three separate museums that comprise the Granville Museum Consortium will present an exhibition of World War I and World War II posters. The exhibition, “Art for War’s Sake,” opens Saturday, May 17, at the Robbins Hunter Museum/Avery Downer House (221 East Broadway), the Denison Museum (240 West Broadway) and the Granville Historical Society Museum (115 East Broadway). The exhibition, on view through the summer, is composed of more than 100 war-era posters from Granville collections. Hours of operation and admission fees vary at each location.

“Art for War’s Sake” tells the story of propaganda posters that were produced by the U.S. government and by private corporations, which commissioned well-known artists such as Norman Rockwell. Simultaneously compelling and troubling, the posters recall the unity of the American effort in early- and mid-20th century wars, while challenging us to consider our individual positions regarding current confrontations.

Each museum will display posters fitting key themes outlined by Don Schilling, president of the Granville Historical Society and chair of the history department at Denison University. These themes include: “Nature of the Enemy,” “Nature of our Allies,” “Need to Work,” “Need to Fight,” “Need to Sacrifice” and “Defending American Values.”

The Consortium has scheduled a series of events to accompany the exhibition, including eight lectures, childrens’ programs and a book club selection. Experts and university professors will present talks and discussions on poster design and the science of propaganda, Granville’s history and relationship to 20th century wars, and Denison University during war.  

Visitors are encouraged to bring their war-era memorabilia to the Robbins Hunter Museum/Avery Downer House, where high-resolution color photocopies of letters, photographs and other mementos will be made and pinned to a Wall of Memories.

The exhibition and lecture series are made possible in part through support from the Granville Foundation, Licking County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Ohio Humanities Council. Additional financial and human resources have been donated by members of the Granville Historical Society, Robbins Hunter Museum/Avery Downer House and Denison University.

For more information about each museum:
Robbins Hunter Museum
Avery Downer House
221 E. Broadway
740-587-0430
www.robbinshunter.org
Open: May 17-Nov. 15, Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: $5 per person; members and children free

Granville Historical Museum
115 E. Broadway
740-587-3951
www.granvillehistory.org
Open: May 16-Oct. 19, Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 12-4 p.m.

Denison Museum
Burke Hall, 240 W. Broadway
740-587-6255
www.denison.edu/museum
Open Daily, May 16-Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m.

Calendar Listing:

Calendar Listing:  Granville—An exhibition of WWI and WWII posters, “Art for Art’s Sake,” at the Robbins Hunter Museum/Avery Downer House (221 East Broadway), The Granville Historical Society Museum (115 E. Broadway), and the Denison Museum (240 West Broadway), opens Sat., May 17, and continues through Nov. 8, at select locations.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575