Join us on March 19th, 2016 at 1:00 PM for our March Living Ship Day, Cartoons at War: American Cartoons in WWII and Beyond!

World War II was the first large scale conflict in which countries could make use of television and cheap color printing. America took full advantage of this by developing an entire platform of propaganda and educational media featuring popular cartoon characters. By contracting and encouraging patriotic themes from companies such as Warner Brothers and Walt Disney Studios, the American government was able to share information faster than ever before–and in a format people of all ages and backgrounds could understand and even enjoy! In addition, individuals both on the front lines to the home front, from Bill Mauldin to Dr. Seuss, were able to use comics as an art form in which to document their experiences and opinions on the war, their voices made stronger through a blend of sometimes dark comedy and powerful visuals.

Hear from presenters Brian Fies and Corry Kanzenberg, who will speak to the history of cartoons during times of war, including topics such as Walt Disney Studios, Captain America, and Snoopy and the Red Baron! Brian Fies is a writer and cartoonist. His first graphic novel, Mom’s Cancer, won the comics industry’s Eisner and Harvey Awards, and his second graphic novel, Whatever Happened to the World of Tomorrow, was named Best Astronautical Literature for Young Adults by the American Astronautical Society. Corry Kanzenberg is curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, where she organizes exhibitions on the life and art of Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts. Corry’s previous curator roles include the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and the National Scouting Museum of the Boy Scouts of America in Irving, Texas.

The day will also feature a interactive “Kid’s Zone” where children can learn more about cartooning.

This is the final weekend of the related special exhibit so come experience it before it ends!