D.W. Griffith Birthday Celebration

Come to the history center on January 21 and help us celebrate movie director, D. W. Griffith's 131 th birthday ( b. Jan. 22, 1875, d. July 23, 1948). An Oldham County native, D. W. Griffith has been called a pioneer in the film industry. During one year he produced over 400 short silent movies. As his career progressed he began to lengthen his films that became the forerunner for the type of movies that are made today. He was one of the first to develop large sets for panoramic scenes that included Civil War battles, temples and ancient cities with casts of thousands.

He is well-known for his endeavors to depict the human strife that occurs during wars, labor movements and social injustices. The most controversial film he produced was Birth of a Nation that examines the breakdown of the South after the Civil War where he romanticizes the role of the Klu Klux Klan. The film caused riots in American cities and was a disappointment for many African Americans who were struggling to overcome racial discrimination in schools, industry and day-to-day living conditions. In other films he explored more progressive issues such as the hardships of the labor movement, child abuse and interracial marriage.

The history center will offer free birthday cake and popcorn until we run out! Clips from Griffith movies will be shown throughout the day.