© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
TECHNOTE: WKAR broadcast signals will be off-air or low power during tower maintenance

Portraits for the Home Front | The Story of Elizabeth Black

Elizabeth - head shot
Courtesy
/
APT
Portraits for the Home Front | The Story of Elizabeth Black

Fri. May 26 at 9pm on WKAR-HD 23.1 | Take a look into the life of Elizabeth Black and her sketched portraits of soldiers during World War II.

Leaving a promising art career behind, Pittsburgh native Elizabeth Black (1912-1983) joined the American Red Cross at the height of World War II. On special assignment, she sketched hundreds of soldiers, sailors and airmen throughout Europe and sent the treasured portraits to worried families back home.

Seventy years later, Black's son uncovered photographs of her sketches, scrapbooks, news clippings and other memorabilia from her forgotten footlocker. Through Black's unforgettable sketches, rare archival images and interviews with the veterans and their families, PORTRAITS FOR THE HOME FRONT explores Black's lost art career and her distinguished service during World War II. It also captures memorable scenes of amazed families finally receiving the lost portraits, some of which capture loved ones killed in action.

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!