THE ENEMY WITHIN: TERROR IN AMERICA – 1776 TO TODAY OPENS AT THE FREEDOM CENTER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH

New Exhibition Provides Insight into Terror on American Soil from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror

CINCINNATI, Ohio, August 30, 2010 — The Enemy Within: Terror in America – 1776 to Today, the only museum exhibition to provide historical perspective on acts of terror that have taken place on American soil, opens Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The Enemy Within, an International Spy Museum exhibition, reveals nine major events and periods in U.S. History when Americans were threatened by enemies within its borders: depicting how the government and public responded, illustrating the corresponding evolution of the U.S. counterintelligence and homeland security efforts, and examining the challenge of securing the nation without compromising the civil liberties upon which it was founded.

“Most American remember exactly where and where they learned about terrorist attacks in American on September 11, 2001 – and regard these events as a turning point that forever changed their sense of security in the United States,” states International Spy Museum Chairman of the Board and Founder, Milton Maltz.  “The fact is however, that Americans have endured thousands of incidents of terror, violence, or subversion right here at home by domestic terrorists and foreign agents, militant radicals and saboteurs, traitors and spies.”

The exhibition features dramatic moments in U.S. History – all frightening, and destabilizing events – represent times when Americans have felt threatened within their own borders.  Each precipitated legislation and/or new counterintelligence measures and provoked debate about protecting both citizens and civil liberties.

“Terrorism in whatever form is an assault on freedom,” said Freedom Center President and CEO, Donald Murphy.  “As this exhibition dramatically demonstrates, our freedoms have been challenged internally by terrorists since our founding, and it is a reflection of the strength of our democracy that we have not succumbed to the terrorist’s agenda.”

 The Enemy Within will be open to the public until February 6, 2011.

About the Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center uses exhibits, programs and activities to educate and inspire contemporary audiences about the legacy of courage and multicultural cooperation as embodied in the story of the Underground Railroad, and to make that history relevant to issues confronting society today. Additional information is available at www.freedomcenter.org. 

About the International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum, the only public institution in the world dedicated to presenting the world history of espionage, features the largest permanent collection of international spy-related artifacts on public display.  Through interactive exhibits with state-of-the-art audiovisual effects, film, and hands-on components, the Museum traces the evolution of espionage through the people who practiced the profession and it provides a context for guests to better interpret the role intelligence places in current events.  Additional information is available at www.spymuseum.org.

Do you love the history of the Underground Railroad? As an Exhibit Interpreter, you can be involved with the overall responsibility to help create an excellent visitor experience for Freedom Center guests by engaging in dialogue, participating in a collaborative learning and sharing the knowledge gained from a multi-week training program. This is a high-profile position, one that is educational, meaningful, uplifting and fun.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who are looking for a continually meaningful volunteer experience.

Classes will be held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, beginning Saturday, September 11, 2010. These sessions run from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and will be held on Saturdays.

To sign up for the training sessions or for more information, please send e-mail to pjohnson@nurfc.org. In the subject line, please add “Sign Me Up For Training”.

Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition closes August 14th. You do not want to miss this beautiful exhibit!

Textural Rhythms unites the two most well known and popular artistic forms in African American culture-jazz and quilts. The exhibition of 64 quilts includes work from some of America’s best known African American quilters such as Michael Cummings, Ed Johnetta Miller, Tina Brewer, and Jim Smoote.

Just as the varied styles of jazz cause listeners to respond differently, the quilts of Textural Rhythms persuade us to salute the bonding of two worlds, jazz and quilts, in a distinguished combination of cultural tradition, sophistication, and panache. Irregardless of technique – unpretentious folk, intricate appliqué, conventional piecing, or complex montage, these quilt artists have harnessed in cloth, the spirit of jazz through meticulous reflections of the souls of jazz folk and the music that sways us.

Want to read a local review of the exhibit? Click here.

Join the Freedom Center for An Evening of Jazz & Art on Thursday, June 24 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  The event, presented by the Freedom Center and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will highlight the Freedom Center’s new exhibit Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition.  The evening will feature live jazz performed by Premium Blend, beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and professional networking opportunities.  Jennifer Moore of WCPO is the emcee and the guest speaker is Dr. Tammy Kernodle, Miami University Associate Professor of Musicology.

Admission for the event is $20.00.  Tickets can be purchased at: http://nurfcjazz.eventbrite.com/

Parking is available at the Central Riverfront Parking Garage with a daily rate of $4.50 (cash only).  For directions click here.

Thank you to An Evening of Jazz & Art co-sponsors: Mayor Mallory’s Young Professional’s Kitchen Cabinet, the League of United Latin American Citizens-Cincinnati, 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati, and the National Black MBA Association, Cincinnati Chapter.

Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition opens Tuesday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m.  Installation of the exhibit is nearly complete.  Check out a few of our behind the scenes photos of the installation.

Last week our Without Sanctuary building banners came down (thank you to everyone who attended the exhibition!) and were replaced with our new exhibition building banners.  The new banners feature Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition and The Enemy Within: Terror In America, 1776 to Today. 

Textural Rhythms (opens Tuesday, June 15th) explores the weaving together of two unique and popular artistic forms of African American culture – jazz and quilt-making – which come together to capture masterpieces of imagination and creativity through the complex bonding of rhythms and moods.

The Enemy Within (opens Saturday, September 11th) will reveal nine major events and periods in U.S. History when Americans were threatened by enemies within its borders: depicting how the government and public responded, illustrating the corresponding evolution of U.S. counterintelligence and homeland security efforts, and examining the challenge of securing the nation without compromising the civil liberties upon which it was founded.

Check out the images of the banners below and let us know what you think!

Take a moment to read to the following journal reflection and see what people are saying about NURFC exhibition, “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America.” If you haven’t yet viewed this unforgettable exhibit, now’s the time to see it. Exhibit closes TODAY.

I wasn’t sure that I would be able to “stomach” the exhibit.  I considered not going into the rooms, not wanting to subject myself to the horrors of the past, but the past is not gone.  These horrors are taking place in different forms all around the world, even in the U.S.  Let us never forget.  Let us never repeat these horrors of the past.  Let us teach our young the lessons of love and acceptance. 

I am glad I entered this exhibit to give honor to those who lost their lives.  Let us never forget.

Take a moment to read to the following journal reflection and see what people are saying about NURFC exhibition, “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America.” If you haven’t yet viewed this unforgettable exhibit, now’s the time to see it. Exhibit closes May 31.

This exhibit is so important.  I wish I could have seen this years ago.  Lynching is a coward’s way to get revenge.  Unfortunately we can not undo the past.  All we can do is move forward and learn from it.  We MUST see these pictures and read these articles.  We MUST refuse to let history repeat itself.

Take a moment to read to the following journal reflection and see what people are saying about NURFC exhibition, “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America.” If you haven’t yet viewed this unforgettable exhibit, now’s the time to see it. Exhibit closes May 31.

Wow…all I can say is Wow.  Seeing those pictures really got me reading those stories and historical facts opened my eyes.  I always knew these things happened, but this exhibit made it so real for me.  Seeing those mutilated bodies and knowing that they were unjustly punished angers me and makes me realize that those events were real and brutal.  I believe that we have come a long way, but we have a long way to go.  It is important that this exhibit be seen, because a lot of people don’t want to recognize that these things really did happen – and not that long ago.  The wound is still fresh – even the issue still exists.  Seeing this made me realize that I am blessed, because I did not have to experience this in the full effect.  I also have greater respect for my ancestors who survived, because they did experience such injustices and brutalities.  As I said before this exhibit made it so real and alive for me.  My people really did go through so much and we continue to bear that weight now.  This has opened my eyes and now I want to educate my community about what really happened, so we can understand where we come from and what our people have been through.

Take a moment to read to the following journal reflection and see what people are saying about NURFC exhibition, “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America.” If you haven’t yet viewed this unforgettable exhibit, now’s the time to see it. Exhibit closes May 31.

Thank you for sharing this exhibit with the community.  There continues to be so much hate in the world.  It’s important to look back and realize how far we have come and more importantly how much further we have to go.  I work at an organization dedicated to ending homelessness and protecting the civil rights of people who experience homelessness.  Everyday we hear stories of hate and violence carried out against the people we serve.  Thank you for ending the exhibit in a way that encourages people to continue thinking about other groups of people who experience hate and violence.  I am most impressed that the history of lynching and the struggle of the African-American community was not diminished by this ending.  Until we are ALL free from hate, violence and oppression…the struggle continues.

Take a moment to read to the following journal reflection and see what people are saying about NURFC exhibition, “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America.” If you haven’t yet viewed this unforgettable exhibit, now’s the time to see it. Exhibit closes May 31.

I am overwhelmed with sorrow and disgrace.  The inhuman acts depicted in this exhibition “Without Sanctuary” are taxing on the human to bear witness to.  I hope that this exhibit serves the larger purpose of remembering to learn from past atrocities in ways that will preclude their being repeated.  Our eyes should become opened to how this continues to occur, not only to blacks, but across many races and demographics.  Being a true human being means acknowledging our darker side and working to overcome it, especially in big risk situations.  Dignity and courage are the means to creating a caring and respectful society.  It begins with me.

Take a moment to read to the following journal reflection and see what people are saying about NURFC exhibition, “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America.” If you haven’t yet viewed this unforgettable exhibit, now’s the time to see it. Exhibit closes May 31.

After having seen this exhibit I am utterly perplexed by the sheer injustice that is a part of America’s history.  No one ever should have to suffer a plight such as a public death, torture, or beating while taunted by a crowd of on-lookers.  I do however find myself mature enough to understand that from seeing this, there is no reason to foster negative feelings toward the Caucasian race in this era.  Hatred is counter-productive toward equalizing views on race and race relations.  We need to press on and move forward, but we should never forget this dark time in our past because all races and creeds may learn from it and use this as a tool to cultivate an understanding, compassionate and racially just future.  Thank you for this exhibit which opens up eyes, hearts and may close the doors of racial inequity and injustice.