In the 1940s, Jewish writers and artists in America were not simply observers of the rise of Nazism—they were actively confronting Hitler and the Reich through comics, journalism, and popular culture. This program explores the bold work of figures such as Jack Kirby, the backlash and threats they faced from the German American Bund, and the ways these artists were targeted in SS newspapers and other Nazi propaganda. By bringing this largely overlooked conflict to light, the program challenges the assumption that Nazism was never a pressing concern on American soil and reveals a fascinating story of artistic resistance, antisemitism, and political courage during the war.

Madeleine O’Connor is the curator of Drawn to Resist. As a Jewish American curator, her work explores the intersection of Jewish identity, popular culture, and storytelling. She holds a B.A. in Art History from San Francisco State University and an M.A. in Museology from the University of Washington. She has worked with the Holocaust Center for Humanity and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), where she guest-curated the exhibition Chutzpah. Originally drawn to museum work through an interest in Nazi-looted art restitution, O’Connor is passionate about uncovering overlooked histories and using exhibitions to highlight stories of resilience, creativity, and Jewish life. A lifelong comic book reader and collector, she brings her love of visual storytelling to Drawn to Resist while maintaining a creative practice in painting and embroidery.