Learn about presidential campaign posters April 28 in Elmhurst

From the mid-1800s until today, American presidential campaigns have been powered by visual messengers in the form of colorful and sometimes controversial political posters.

Designed by a range of artists - from the famous like Calder and Lichtenstein to the more common "anonymous" - the often-provocative graphic designs have influenced public opinion and election outcomes for decades.

Dave Oberg, executive director of the Elmhurst History Museum, will shed light on the history of such posters during a program at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the museum's education center, 120 E. Park Ave.

During "Stars, Stripes & Strategy: A Brief History of the Presidential Campaign Poster," Oberg will discuss the evolution of poster styles and some of the imagery and symbolism employed by the artists. He'll provide a thumbnail history of some of the pivotal campaigns from 1844 to the present that shaped modern presidential campaigns.

Registration is required and can be made online at http://www.elmhursthistory.org/322/Adult-Programs or by calling (630) 530-6879. Admission is free and limited on-site parking is available.

The "Stars, Stripes & Strategy" program is presented in conjunction with the museum's current exhibit, "Sign of the Times: The Great American Political Poster 1844-2012," which closes April 28.

The national touring exhibit from Exhibits USA features 50 of the most compelling and rarely-seen presidential campaign posters in U.S. history, spanning more than 165 years.

Admission to the exhibit is free, and participants are welcome to view it after the program until 5 p.m.

For details, visit www.elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.