America’s growing affluence at home and on the world stage – coupled with anxiety of the new reality of life in an Atomic Age – are the focus of a new program series featuring speakers, activities, performances, and exhibits at Macomb Community College, beginning in late February.

The 1950s: Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age will begin Feb. 26 and continue through May 7 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. Exhibits are free, and there is no charge for the majority of presentations, although advance registration is required.

Highlights of the series include award-winning authors and historians who will look at the rise of Cold War fears, showcase the successful public health campaign against the scourge of polio, examine McCarthyism and offer a profile of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower.   It will also offer a look back at what was happening in the Detroit region in the 1950s – from the rise of the automotive tail fin to the growing pattern of surbanization. The old Detroit Hudson’s stores, the pre-Motown era local music scene – even the Lone Ranger – will be featured in the series.

“The 1950s represents a fascinating intersection of the affluence of both America as a whole and the Detroit region in particular as contrasted against the ‘duck-and-cover’ drills conducted in schools to prepare for possible atomic bomb attack,” said Christine Guarino, director of cultural affairs at Macomb. “It was a fascinating time that shaped our nation and our region in ways that continue to have an impact today.”

The series will conclude with a special salute to the men and women who fought in America’s “Forgotten War” in Korea in the early 1950s.  The program also offers a special Speakers Series:

• The 1950s: American Life in the Shadow of the Bomb, featuring historian Paul Boyer, March 10.
• Polio: A Look Back at America’s Most Successful Public Health Crusade, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Oshinsky, March 30.
• McCarthyism to Terrorism, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Haynes Johnson, April 14.
• The Russians are Coming!  Eisenhower and the Cold War, featuring author Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of the former Army general who served as president in the 1950s, May 5.

Tickets are required for the Speaker Series presentations, all of which begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings.  A special package price of $60 provides entrance to all four presentations, in addition to Meet & Greet receptions with each presenter at 5:30 p.m.  Individual tickets for each presentation are $15, or $5 for seniors, students, and military personnel; and individual tickets to a single presentation including the Meet & Greet reception are $20.  To purchase tickets, call 586.286.2222 or visit www.MacombCenter.com.

The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information about the cultural center and on the 1950s program series is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com.  Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.

About the Lorenzo Cultural Center

The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment.  Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually.  Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan.  The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.