Media portrayal of World War II will be the topic of discussion 2 p.m., Sunday, June 14th at Old Independence Regional Museum. Museum Director Amelia Bowman and Volunteer Ted Stepanek will discuss the role of newsreels and propaganda in the War effort. A montage of WWII newsreels will be shown, focusing on popular War events. “It is amazing that after 70 years these newsreels can still evoke a sense of national pride and patriotism,” stated Stepanek, “it is no wonder people were so eager to help with the war effort.”
In addition to newsreels, WWII propaganda poster will be shown to illustrate the influence media had on people’s perspectives of the enemy. “Media obviously kept the public informed about the War but it also told people how the enemy should be perceived,” stated Bowman, “it is not uncommon to see propaganda with Japanese caricatures resembling angry monkeys instead of people.”
Audience members will be encouraged to share their memories about watching newsreels at the theater, seeing propaganda posters, and listening to radio broadcasts during the War. The program, part of a series celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, is free and open to the public.
Old Independence serves a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. Parts of these present-day counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820s Arkansas territory.
The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and $1.00 for children. The museum is located at 380 South 9th street, between Boswell and Vine Streets in Batesville. During your visit, stop by our gift shop. We stock many items from local artists, authors, and crafters, as well as historical toys and games.
