Research Treasures in the W.P.A. - You Won't Believe What You'll Find

The webinar “Research Treasures in the WPA: You Won’t Believe What You’ll Find” by Sharon Batiste Gillins introduces genealogists to a powerful yet often overlooked resource—the records of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Created during the Great Depression under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the WPA not only provided meaningful employment for millions but also left behind an extraordinary archive of materials. These records, ranging from manuscripts to personnel files, offer both direct evidence about ancestors and rich historical context about the communities in which they lived. Gillins guides researchers through the scope of WPA programs, the types of surviving records, and strategies for uncovering them, demonstrating how these collections can illuminate both family histories and the broader social fabric of 1930s–40s America.

Key Takeaways:

• Discovering Ancestors in WPA Records: Many families have ties to WPA projects, whether through employment as laborers, clerks, artists, or writers. The 1940 U.S. Census, city directories, and personnel files (accessible through the National Archives using forms such as NA 14137 and 14136) can confirm participation and provide details like work assignments, salaries, and personal information.

• Using Finding Aids and Manuscripts: Because most WPA projects ended abruptly with World War II, much of the material survives as unpublished manuscripts. Finding Aids—such as those for the Federal Writers’ Project—are essential tools for navigating these collections, many of which reside in national, state, and local archives. Databases like ArchiveGrid, WorldCat, and regional resources such as TARO help pinpoint manuscripts relevant to specific research questions.

• Context-Rich Projects for Genealogists: Among the WPA’s most significant initiatives were the Historical Records Survey, the American Guide Series, and the Federal Writers’ Project. These generated inventories of courthouse and church records, state and regional histories, folklore accounts, and the invaluable slave narratives. Together, they provide unparalleled insights into local life, cultural traditions, and community structures during the Depression era.

For genealogists seeking to expand their understanding of ancestors’ lives, WPA resources are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Viewing the full webinar will provide step-by-step strategies, practical examples, and guidance on how to locate and use these diverse collections effectively.

Be sure to consult the accompanying syllabus, which compiles Finding Aids, request forms, and archival links to help you launch your own WPA research journey. These additional resources offer the keys to uncovering both hidden family details and the broader historical contexts that shaped their experiences.