Fear Itself
Of all the human emotions, said H. P. Lovecraft, fear is “the oldest and strongest.” A walk through American history suggests that it is also one of the most destructive. This exhibit pulls together a wide range of stories from our archive that all deal, in one way or another, with the lengths to which Americans' fears have driven them. From xenophobia to vigilantism to political repression, fear has triggered some of the nation's ugliest episodes. Then again, it has also provided the raw material for some pretty great films.
The Horror
View Connections19Health Scares
View Connections17Cold War Jitters
View Connections20Fearing Outsiders
View Connections14Fearing Neighbors
View Connections20Suspicions of Power
View Connections12Specters of Emancipation
View Connections11White Terror
View Connections20Ghosts, Goblins, & Witches
View Connections07Lingering Fears
View Connections13