The Smithsonian Institution | Bittersweet Harvest
A series of posters explores the largest guest worker program in U.S. history.
Challenge
How does a difficult story become more equitable and approachable?
The Smithsonian commissioned a series of posters based on its exhibition Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964, to share the story of the largest guest worker program in U.S. history.
Intended for diverse communities across the country, an engaging, even-handed presentation was essential.
The design evokes a traditional Mexican serape, with horizontal stripes that organize written content presented in both English and Spanish.
A strong color identity for each poster steps the viewer through a six-part storyline.
Supporting an equitable approach, English and Spanish alternate in the top and bottom positions.
Outcome
Available here, the Smithsonian offers the poster series as a free resource to schools, migrant education centers, museums, and libraries across the country.