Living with a new destructive reality fueled by nuclear arms, the 1950s are often characterized as the decade in which school-age children were taught to “duck and cover,” and families constructed and stocked fallout shelters.  The 1950s: Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age, which runs through May 7 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township, features a full range of presentations, activities and exhibits that reflect life in the decade, including how American society dealt with the growing nuclear threat.

Macomb Professor Philip Barrons hosts a viewing and discussion of On the Beach on Friday, March 4, 11 a.m. The movie, based on a 1957 novel of the same name, focuses on everyday folks simply trying to get on with their lives in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust, without hope for tomorrow. On Saturday, March 5, 1 p.m., Macomb Professor Elliott Meyrowitz picks up the discussion by looking at the origins and causes of the nuclear arms race, as well as strategic U.S. nuclear doctrines adopted at the beginning of the Cold War. 

Other presentations include:

• he 1950s: American Life in the Shadow of the Bomb, featuring author and U.S. cultural and intellectual historian Paul Boyer, March 10
• Duck and Cover: Eisenhower, the Cold War and the Atomic Bomb in the 1950s, featuring Ohio University Professor Chester Pach, April 9
• 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

The March 10 and May 5 events are part of a Speaker Series featuring four award-winning authors and historians who examine the rise of Cold War fears, the public health campaign against the scourge of polio, McCarthyism and terrorism, and the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. 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 1950s series features more than two dozen free presentations, as well as free exhibits in the cultural center, including Atoms for Peace – a display of lithographs on loan from the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History – and Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age – a multimedia exploration of life in the 1950s.  All presentations require advance registration by calling 586.445.7348.

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 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.

Media Contact:
Tish Wirth
Communications & Community Relations
Macomb Community College
586.445.7560
wirthp@macomb.edu