11.6. Posters, 1916-1979

Series 11.6 contains posters, charts, fliers and other visual aids or announcements. Some files contain designs, layouts, or sketches for posters, as well as accompanying documents. A portion of the material appears to be file copies of poster and chart series. Photographs of some ASHA posters and exhibits are also available in SERIES 11.8, Photographs.

The social hygiene movement of the early twentieth century combined moral persuasion and public health methods in an attempt to combat prostitution and venereal disease. Especially during the two world wars, civilian and military authorities produced many posters to educate armed forces personnel on how to remain disease-free and “fit to fight.”

The U.S. Public Health Service and the American Social Hygiene Association prepared elaborate poster displays during the 1920s as part of a campaign to eradicate what we now call sexually transmitted diseases. “Keeping Fit” is a 48-poster series produced by the U.S. Public Health Service. It was designed to educate teenage boys and young men about the dangers of sexual promiscuity and urged them to embrace moral and physical fitness. “Youth and Life” is a parallel presentation for girls and young women. Both series reflect contemporary attitudes towards family, gender, sexuality, and health.