First Thrill of Liberty

Remember Your First Thrill
of American Liberty.
Your Duty--Buy United States
Government Bonds.
New York: Sackett & Wilhelms Corp., 1917
Color lithographic poster
Prints & Photographs Division (58A.4)

This image depicts a ship of immigrants entering New York Harbor, en route to Ellis Island, where symbols of freedom--the Statue of Liberty and an American flag--greet the aspiring citizens. This poster encouraged participation in one of three war bond campaigns, the 2nd Liberty Loan drive of 1917. The muted red, white, and blue tones appealed to the patriotism of the newest Americans. The poster was also published with text in Yiddish and Italian. The Prints & Photographs Division has a collection of over 800 World War I posters created by American artists in support of the war effort.