FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Oct. 29, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Following Chance Discovery, Rochester Library to Collaborate with World War II Museum for Special Exhibition

ROCHESTER — During a recent routine re-organization of the Rochester Library’s storage area, library staff discovered a large collection of pieces of American history, which will be on display for the public ahead of a special event later next month. 

Following the discovery of a trove of World War I and World War II military propaganda posters in its archives, the Rochester Library initiated an effort to make the rare artifacts available for public viewing. To make that possible, library staff are working to digitize the posters, while the Friends of the Rochester Library have forged a one-of-a-kind collaboration with the Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro. 

The museum’s curators, in partnership with the Rochester Library, will present Propaganda: Posters, Patriotism and the Power of Persuasion at the library on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m.

The presentation by Assistant Curator Justin Gamache coincides with an ongoing exhibit at the museum itself, which features historic propaganda posters from World War I. The event is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. 

“This is such a tremendous discovery, and it gives us a rare opportunity to share these historic items, which have been hidden away for so long, with our community,” Library Director Brian Sylvester said. “We’re extremely fortunate for the work of the Friends of the Rochester Library for collaborating with the Wright Museum on this project, and anyone with an interest in military history, World War II, military posters and life on the home front during a time of war should find the presentation very interesting.” 

Beginning in November, the library will have a dedicated computer screen set up that will display the digitized versions of the posters found in its collection.

###