During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration sought to employ citizens in public works projects. The majority were employed on construction projects, however there were also “women’s and professional” projects. In 1938, with the newly acquired Hanna Homestead, Fort Wayne Schools created an “educational museum for school children” called the Hanna Homestead Children’s Museum which included making dolls that were used as teaching aids in museums, libraries, and classrooms. The History Center’s collection is home to 301 dolls made by WPA workers at the Children’s Museum and were exhibited in its “costume room.” The museum project was sponsored by Fort Wayne Schools from 1938 to 1942, but the museum stayed open for student tours until the mid 1950’s. The Historical Society acquired the dolls, historical artifacts and related records from the old Hanna home in 1959 after it was abandoned. Here is a sampling of some of the items from the Hanna Homestead Children’s Museum. We hope that you enjoy a look back at our city’s contribution to combatting the Great Depression. #sociallyhistory
The WPA In Indiana (5/6/21) published May 6, 2021 by Indiana Historical Society on YouTube. If you look hard enough around Indiana, you can see the legacy of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and other New Deal agencies at almost every turn. Created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the effects of the Great Depression, this program put thousands of Hoosier back to work. Join historian Glory-June Greiff as we travel around the state to explore some of these lasting projects.
The Works Progress Administration was established by Executive Order No. 7034, dated May 6, 1935. This action was taken by the President under the authority of the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935, approved April 8, 1935. from The Works Project Administration in Indiana which started August 1, 1935. A search of the Indiana University Archives shows over 600 pages with something related to the WPA.
The National Archives has a large collection of WPA and HRS records for Indiana with over 12,000 results on file. The National Archives has branch offices across the country, so requested files can be sent to a district office in your region. Also, check the Library of Congress for manuscripts and HRS records. Copied from THE WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION AND THE HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY by Joy Neighbors, (South Central District) in THE WPA AND THE CCC IN INDIANA page 21 of Indiana Genealogist Vol. 32 No 02 June 2022 by the Indiana Genenealogical Society.
