Small Town, USA

During World War II, Mount Vernon, Ohio was designated an “All-American Town” and featured in a series of U.S. State Department films showcasing the American way of life. Filmed with local residents rather than actors, these works captured everyday life across the community and originally premiered at the Knox Memorial Theatre in 1946. Now newly restored in high-resolution digital format, these films return to the same venue nearly 80 years later. Join the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, Knox Memorial, and the Knox County Historical Society for a free evening of history, film, and discussion exploring how Mount Vernon was presented to the world. Made possible by a generous grant from the Ohio History Connection.