The Federal Writers' Project (FWP) was a federal government project in the United States created to provide jobs for out-of-work writers and to develop a history and overview of the United States, by state, cities and other jurisdictions. It was launched in 1935 during the Great Depression. It was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program. It was one of a group of New Deal arts programs known collectively as Federal Project Number One or Federal One.
Poster advertising state-by-state writers projects that "describe America to America"
Produced by the Federal Writers' Project, the American Guide Series of books presented American history, geography, and culture, and stimulated travel to bolster the economy during the Great Depression.
George Dillard's oral history was recorded in 1936 for the Slave Narrative Collection by the Federal Writers' Project.
Display for Who's Who in the Zoo, part of the Children's Science Series created by authors in the Federal Writers’ Project
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was an American New Deal agency that employed millions of jobseekers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. It was set up on May 6, 1935, by presidential order, as a key part of the Second New Deal.
FDR prepares to speak about the establishment of the work relief program and Social Security at his fireside chat of April 28, 1935.
FERA administrator and WPA head Harry Hopkins speaking to reporters (November 1935)
WPA road development project
FDR and Hopkins (September 1938)
