World War II rumor project collection
By: collected by the United States Office of War Information
Contributors: United States. Office of War Information
Published: 1942
Language: eng
Number of pages: 10
Subjects: World War, 1939-1945; German Americans; Humor; Jews; Anecdotes; College students; High school students; Public opinion; Attitudes; Japanese Americans; Psychological aspects; Urban folklore; African Americans; Propaganda; Rumor
Description: Manuscript collection created by the Office of War Information in 1942-1943. Field representatives of various federal agencies in 42 states enlisted individuals who collected rumors generated in the United States during World War II. These individuals or "correspondents" included dentists, beauty shop operators, policemen, proprietors, and librarians who had access to rumors in their communities. Reports were submitted to Dr. Eugene Horowitz at the Bureau of Public Inquiries of OWI, who organized the materials. Rumors, jokes, rhymes, and anecdotes about the war were also collected by teachers from African American and white high school and college students; a few drawings and cartoons are included with the submissions from students.
Notes: Collection is open for research; no restrictions on access.

World War II Rumor Project Collection (AFC 1945/001), Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Transfer from the Office of War Information, 1945.

Finding aid is available in the Folklife Reading Room and online via the American Folklife Center web pages.