Air Marking

There was a time when “putting your town on the map” meant just that. This 1944 government poster from the Civil Aeronautics Administration encouraged communities across America to help pilots find their way home by painting giant rooftop markers visible from the sky. The artwork is delightfully futuristic for its time, blending wartime purpose with a splash of optimism. A small plane hovers above a grid of bright blue buildings, each proudly bearing names and coordinates, turning the landscape into a living map. The message is clear: local pride and national defense could go hand in hand. Born from the World War II era’s drive for innovation, the Air Marking program united small towns, factory workers, and pilots in one ambitious goal: to make America navigable from the air! This poster captures that spirit perfectly, bursting with color, precision, and the belief that progress could start with a paintbrush and a sense of direction. *Please note poster is conservation mounted on canvas.  Size: 27.75" x 22.25" Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Conservation mounted on linen. Original fold lines have been professionally restored. Light border wear. Light background scuffs in lower quadrant. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.