Blacklisting Artists: Impact & Exhibitions
- A new exhibit at New York Historical, "Blacklisted," examines the lives of the Hollywood Ten, creatives caught in the Red Scare.
- Anne Lessy, assistant curator, noted the rise of television's influence and anxieties surrounding mass entertainment during that time.
- Lessy added that rising equality triggered backlashes, promoting racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism.
Uncover the lasting impact of the Hollywood blacklist on creative careers and artistic freedom in a powerful new exhibit at New York Historical. “Blacklisted” explores the Red Scare’s chilling parallels wiht modern political persecution, focusing on the Hollywood Ten, and the challenges they faced. Discover the resilience of blacklisted artists like dalton Trumbo and how New york theater provided refuge. News Directory 3 delves into the stories of those impacted by the blacklist, illustrating the consequences on their lives through unemployment and pension struggles. Learn how the exhibit highlights the importance of protecting freedom of expression. Discover what’s next.
‘Blacklisted’ Exhibit at New York Historical Draws Red Scare Parallels
Updated June 18, 2025
A new exhibit at New York Historical, ”Blacklisted,” examines the lives of the Hollywood Ten, creatives caught in the Red Scare. The exhibit draws uncomfortable parallels between the Communist witch-hunt era and modern political persecution, highlighting the impact of the blacklist on careers and lives.
Anne Lessy, assistant curator, noted the rise of television’s influence and anxieties surrounding mass entertainment during that time. The success of propaganda during World War II fueled these concerns. Many blacklisted artists played key roles in those propaganda efforts.
Lessy added that rising equality triggered backlashes, promoting racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism. Politicians exploited these social divisions, viewing the persecution of Hollywood figures as a career booster.
“Blacklisted” explores the stories of Americans impacted by the blacklist, including the Hollywood Ten, who faced contempt of Congress for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of New York Historical, said the exhibit resonated with current concerns about book bans and curriculum restrictions.
The exhibit highlights Dalton trumbo, an award-winning screenwriter of films like “Roman Holiday” and “spartacus.” Blacklisted, Trumbo worked under pseudonyms, initially denied credit for his work.He received screen credit again in 1960 for “Exodus” and “Spartacus,” and the Writers Guild of America fully credited him for “Roman Holiday” in 2011. Lessy noted many screenwriters worked under false names,often receiving credit decades later.
Blacklisted artists faced career limitations and financial hardship. The exhibit includes Madeleine Lee’s unemployment benefits application, illustrating the lasting consequences of the witch-hunt. Many blacklisted creatives did not receive accurate pensions until the 1980s and 1990s, Lessy said.
Hollywood creatives demonstrated resilience, relying on community support and pursuing creative endeavors outside Hollywood.New York Historical’s version of the exhibit examines how New York theater offered refuge.Lessy said Actors Equity passed an anti-blacklist resolution.
The exhibit also examines the stage production of “The World of Sholom Aleichem,” a forerunner to “Fiddler on the Roof.” The show, largely staffed by blacklisted individuals, received acclaim and became a prime-time TV presentation. New York also provided a lifeline to playwrights Arthur Miller and Lillian Hellman, who continued to thrive on stage.
What’s next
The exhibit aims to remind audiences of the importance of protecting artistic freedom and resisting political persecution.