The Federal Writers’ Project

Great Depression: Run on the Banks. NPx 74-20(1007) by Kevin Thomas, Special Events Coordinator The Great Depression left many Americans without jobs and subsequently, without identity. For artists, this was especially serious. In response to this, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) established Federal Project Number One, to help provide public employment for artists who had … Continue reading The Federal Writers’ Project

FDR and the Dust Bowl

By Paul M. Sparrow, Director, FDR Library. The Pare Lorentz Film Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum has produced a new animated video on FDR and the Dust Bowl. This video was created by FDR’s great-granddaughter Perrin Ireland. We hope teachers will use it to help their students better understand this important … Continue reading FDR and the Dust Bowl

From the Museum

Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15, 2012 – October 15, 2012 “Holy Family” Carving (MO 1956.328)   This pine carving, titled “Holy Family,” was created by artist Patrocinio “Pat” Barela in 1936 while he was employed by the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration (WPA). President Roosevelt created the WPA by executive order in 1935 to provide … Continue reading From the Museum

From the Museum

Model of Independence Hall in Philadelphia (MO 1941.12.38) “Philadelphia is a good city in which to write American history. This is fitting ground on which to reaffirm the faith of our fathers; to pledge ourselves to restore to the people a wider freedom; to give to 1936 as the founders gave to 1776—an American way … Continue reading From the Museum

Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: March 8-14

March 10, 1939 "FORT WORTH, Texas, Friday...I was met by a young girl reporter on the train, an intense and vivid personality and one who voiced a desire which cheered me greatly. She wanted to know what young women could do to serve the cause of their country and of democracy. That is a spirit … Continue reading Eleanor Roosevelt – My Day: March 8-14

This Week in Roosevelt History: May 1-7

May 6, 1935: The Works Progress Administration opened its doors and began sending unemployed Americans back to work. WPA Theatre worker 1935 FDR Library Photo Collection. NPx. 48-49:1(262). ********** The New Deal Estore is a great place to shop for Roosevelt related books, gifts, and other treasures from the New Deal Store at the Roosevelt … Continue reading This Week in Roosevelt History: May 1-7