Benton’s Year of Peril

National Archives at Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

Begun immediately after the attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton produced a series of 8 large paintings in nine weeks. Collectively known as The Year of Peril, they were intended to “wake up the middle west to the grimness of our national situation.” While the paintings made a big impact, they were deemed unsuitable for propaganda purposes, and were soon forgotten. Benton's Year of Peril provides a glimpse into the American psyche at the time of our entry into WWII. Steve Sitton, site administrator for the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site will discuss the historic significance of these paintings and why Benton produced them. This program is presented in collaboration with the Missouri Humanities Council.  

Reservations are requested for this free program by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing kansascity.educate@nara.gov. Requests for ADA accommodations must be submitted five business days prior to events.