Published by Primary Source Microfilm

Series One: The Final State Reports, 1943

This is the first comprehensive publication of the papers of the Work Projects Administration (WPA). It illustrates the remarkable breadth of issues tackled in the arts, professional activities and public administration. The Final State Reports are indispensable to an understanding of the way in which the New Deal moved into areas previously considered to be outside the role of the Federal Government.

The Final State Reports of the WPA provide a dramatic account of the Great American Depression. They provide crucial insights into the social and economic impact of financial collapse, and supply hard evidence of Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to the crisis and the painful road to recovery.

Controversy surrounded all stages of the WPA's history. While the WPA ultimately preserved the ideals of democracy and capitalism, it also represented unprecedented state intervention. Discipline was loose and internal subversive elements caused damage. Repeated organizational changes included a major curtailment of powers in 1939. Eventually it took the war to end both the Depression and the WPA.

This key series presents, in their entirety, the general reports for each state. These describe the administration of the efforts in each state program from the inception of the WPA and document the WPA's links with its predecessors. They explain how sponsors applied for projects, and record methods of recruitment, training, supervision and special obstacles met. A summary of the achievements of each program is included.

Part One: Final Reports of the State Program
6 reels

Part Two: Final State Reports for the Federal Music Program, the Federal Art Program, the Federal Crafts Program, the Museum and Visual Aids Program, the Federal Theater Program and the Federal Writers Program
7 reels

Complete Collection: 13 reels