Abstract In the Year 1789 is a poster series that addresses the uniquely American challenge of gun control, as notions of gun ownership are tied to history, patriotism and national mythologies concerning freedom and morality. The posters, cut by computer-guided laser, leverage two qualities to convince viewers to consider the issue. The use of Baskerville typeface, with its tested perceptions of credibility, and images embodying rhetoric’s tenets of ethos, logos and pathos combine to make a rational and emotional appeal.