Guided Primary Source Analysis: For United America, YWCA

For united America, YWCA
Walker, C. Howard. “For united America, YWCA division for foreign born women.” 1919 Jan. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

The shields displayed on this poster represent the flags of various countries. Do some research to see how many countries you can identify and make a list.

Look closely at the details that you see in this poster. For what purpose do you think this poster was created? What details from the print and your own background knowledge helped you to reach that conclusion? How does your conclusion compare with the summary in the bibliographic record for this print, which suggests a possible purpose for the poster. Now read this YWCA timeline through 1919. Based on what you read, what might have been another possible purpose for this poster?

Review the complete YWCA timeline and read the organization’s mission. What type of poster might the YWCA create today to reach out to women today? Create the poster you envision.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!