Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare

Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA
May 4–September 3, 2023

Original exhibition created by the Jewish Museum Milwaukee

Photography by Robert Wedemeyer

In October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee called on Hollywood figures to testify about allegations of Communist propaganda in American films. Although the committee never found evidence of this, the film industry responded by becoming the first mass employer to adopt a blacklist against employees whose political beliefs ran counter to prevailing ideals. Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare shone a spotlight on the proceedings, investigations, motives, and choices of those caught in the crosshairs.

The result was an emotionally complex and compelling exhibition that demonstrates how the politics of Hollywood can shape the entire country. Visitors were encouraged to leave behind notes regarding the First Amendment regarding Free Speech. Additionally, a recording booth, located towards the exhibition exit, allowed visitors to record oral histories, conversations, and thoughts on the influence of the Blacklist.

"In this era of political division, and considering the rollbacks of civil liberties in this country, the exhibition has urgent contemporary context."—Los Angeles Times