State of Deception

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"Propaganda," Adolf Hitler wrote in 1924, "is a truly terrible weapon in the hands of an expert," and, under Hitler's rule, Nazi leaders showed the world bold, new ways to wield it.

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda explores Nazi propaganda and the impact felt in Germany. Rare artifacts, historic film footage, and first-person interviews reveal the tragic consequences of the Nazis' extremist messages on millions of men, women, and children. Empowering for all ages, the exhibition emphasizes why the issue of propaganda matters and inspires visitors to search for truth and work together for change.

Inside the Exhibition

Trace the Nazis' well-strategized propaganda campaign over time, one that harnessed early 20th century technologies, such as movies, recordings, and radio broadcasts. Witness the strong imagery of posters and advertisements that kept messaging clear and simple for broad public appeal. See evidence of Hitler's radical programs that were used to appeal to Germans' desire for a strong national identity in the 1930s.   Newspapers, documents, and even toys show how Nazi Germany built support for war, persecution, and mass murder by targeting Jews and other members of its own citizenry and blaming them for the nation's problems.

A Bullock Museum Exclusive

On the Texas Homefront, a companion exhibition curated by the Bullock Museum, explores the effects of Nazi propaganda and events in Germany on Texas. Original artwork from a Dallas editorial cartoonist shows what Texans were reading in their morning newspaper. Government footage, 1940s drawings, and first-person oral histories of Texas internment camps demonstrate how the U.S. reacted to perceived threats of internal espionage. Documents that both helped and hindered U.S. troops, and a soldier's uniform, bring to life the importance of the 36th Infantry, the "Texas Division." Hear from Texans who served in the 42nd Infantry Division and took part in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in a poignant video. Excerpts from an oral history project commissioned by the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission express the emotions soldiers in their late teens and early twenties felt as they helped liberate concentration camp survivors. And First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's original, hand-written notations on a draft preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reveal her dedication to ensuring that future atrocities could be prevented by world leaders.

On the Texas Homefront concludes with a reflective space dedicated to creating messages of hope inspired by The Butterfly Project, an art installation in the Museum's Grand Lobby with thousands of unique butterflies created by children from every corner of Texas.

State of Deception Partners and Sponsors

Education programs sponsored by Lisa and Sandy Gottesman.

Sponsored by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall Fund and Jeanne and Michael L. Klein. Additional support by the Stanford and Joan Alexander Foundation, the Pearlman Family Foundation, the Friedel Family Foundation, and The Rollins M. and Amalie L. Koppel Foundation.

Support for the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda was produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The Butterfly Project is a collaboration between the Bullock Museum and St. Edward's University.

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda was underwritten in part by grants from Katharine M. and Leo S. Ullman and The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, with additional support from the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibition Fund established in 1990 and Dr. and Mrs. Sol Center.