THE ‘GREATEST GENERATION’

GOES TO WAR:

Images and Memories of World War II

On exhibition through February 13, 2005, three complementary exhibitions explore diverse aspects of the World War II experience, for those on the home front and at the front lines. 

“This year has marked many significant milestones and observances related to World War II,” commented Christine M. Miles, AIHA director.  “The contributions and sacrifices of the ‘Greatest Generation’ helped to shape the course of our history.  Today, they are the senior citizens of our nation, the elders of our families.  Their numbers are dwindling, but their experiences and their stories still resonate with power and relevance.”

World War II Navy Art: A Vision of History communicates the drama of war in remarkable paintings by artists who recorded their battlefield experiences. The Navy Artist Combat Program, a project implemented by Admiral C.W. Nimitz, documented wartime activities in Europe and the Pacific, including the Normandy invasion, campaigns in North Africa and the invasion of Okinawa.  The 32 paintings, watercolors and drawings in this exhibition include work by Standish Backus, Griffith Baily Coale, William F. Draper, Mitchell Jamieson, Edward Millman, Albert K. Murray, Alexander P. Russo and Dwight Clark Shepler.  From the U.S. Navy Art Collection.

Navy WAVES:  The Women of World War II depicts the lives and war efforts of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), whose duties included everything from patching bullet holes in a naval flying boat to performing engine checks on a seaplane.  Artist Howard Baer annotated one of his paintings by saying: "If she's a Navy WAVE, then a woman's task may be anything that a man's task may be, and it's a pretty good bet that she will handle it efficiently."  The exhibition will include a selection of recruitment posters and original artwork. From the U.S. Navy Art Collection.

Drawn from the Albany Institute’s collections, POWERS OF PERSUASION:  World War II Posters explores how advertising was used to promote patriotism and mobilize the American citizenry on the home front during World War II. Commissioned by the U.S. government, American artists created vivid paintings and posters urging Americans to support the war effort. 

Nearly every American family has a personal story of World War II. These exhibitions provide a timely context for exploring the impact and legacy of the war on the history of our nation.  They are certain to revive memories and stimulate conversations among members of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ their Baby Boomer children and the generations that followed them.

The Albany Institute will host a variety of public programs and special events for adult and family audiences throughout the exhibition.  Special programs will be held on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 including Art Making for Families from 12:00 – 3:00 pm and a lecture on How to Research WWII Veterans with Wade Gurrion.  Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive FREE admission to the museum that day.

Support for these exhibitions provided by First Albany Capital and The Swyer Family. Additional Support for Navy WAVES is provided by Excelsior College and The DR Group.