WPA Collection, 1835-1942, bulk Bulk, 1937-1942

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Summary

Creators:
United States. Works Progress Administration.
Abstract:
This is an artificial collection of bound works created under several projects funded by the Works Progress Administration in San Diego during the late 1930s.
Extent:
5.5 Linear feet (11 boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

WPA Collection, MS 314, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This is an artificial collection of bound works created under several projects funded by the Works Progress Administration in San Diego during the late 1930s. These include pre-existing publications rebound for library use, educational materials developed for classroom use, and local history materials on place names and historic landmarks.

Biographical / historical:

The Works Progress Administration was a New Deal agency formed in 1935 to alleviate unemployment. 8.5 million people were employed by the WPA over eight years, primarily unskilled labor carrying out public works projects such as the construction of buildings and roads. Some of the smaller projects such as Federal Project Number One employed musicians, writers, and other artists for large media and literacy projects.

Most of the items in this collection were created for the City Library Extension Project, the City Schools Curriculum Project, or the Federal Writers’ Project. The City Library Extension Project had workers rebind pre-existing publications for use in local libraries. The San Diego City Schools Curriculum Project employed dozens of local workers to produce educational materials for numerous subjects and then test them in classrooms. Approximately 500 copies were produced of each approved work. The Federal Writers’ Project, run under the auspice of Federal Project Number One, funded the creation of local histories, oral histories, ethnographies, children’s books, and other civic-minded works.

Processing information:

Collection processed by Brent Stout in May 2016.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in four series:

Series I: City Library Extension Project;

Series II: City Schools Curriculum Project;

Series III: Federal Writers’ Project;

Series IV: Miscellanea.

Within each series, publications are arranged alphabetically by title.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Preferred citation:

WPA Collection, MS 314, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
Website