Historic Posters Collection

The Historic Posters Collection contains approximately 470 posters relating to agricultural themes, including poultry, cattle, dairy, food production and preservation, and farming methods. Approximately 300 of the posters were produced during World Wars I and II. Although many of these posters are not dated, the known date range runs from 1917 to 1919 and 1940 to 1946. The posters were used to convey government information relating to wartime agricultural programs, and to educate and encourage Americans to participate in the war effort through increased food production and conservation. Some examples include:

• "Win the War in the Kitchen" promoted planting war gardens and canning vegetables
• "Your Farm Can Help" encouraged planting particular crops, constructing storage silos, and protecting crops from plant diseases
• "Make America Strong" promoted community education in nutritious meal preparation and food preservation
• There are also World War II posters highlighting various uses of cotton in military supplies and equipment

The collection also includes approximately 100 poultry posters and promotional advertisements. Most of these materials are not dated. The poultry-related advertisements and educational posters provide information about poultry processing, production, and standards of quality, and promote the consumption of eggs, chicken, and turkey.