Federal Writers Project

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The The Federal Writers' Project (FWP) was a United States federal government project to fund written work and support writers during the Great Depression. It was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a Depression and World War Two era Federal agency, employing millions on public works projects and operating theatrical and literacy projects. The WPA also fed children and distributed food, clothing, and housing. Almost every community in the United States had a park, bridge or school constructed by the WPA. Created by order of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the WPA was funded by Congress in the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935.

As part of its overall mission, the WPA published posters for theatrical productions, WW2 propaganda, public health services, tourism, war bond drives, etc..

Pictured here are four posters for books sponsored by the Federal Writers Project.

Skiing in the East

# Title: Skiing in the East - The best trails and how to get there : A guide for winter sport fans : Describing over 1000 trails in 216 localities.

# Date Created/Published: [New York] : WPA Federal Art Project, Dis. 4, [between 1936 and 1939]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster for WPA Federal Writers' Project, 110 King Street, New York City, "American Guide Series" guide to winter sports in the East (from Pennsylvania to Maine), showing a man skiing.

Who's Who in the Zoo

# Title: Who's who in the zoo - Illustrated natural history prepared by the WPA Federal Writers Project : On sale at all book stores, zoos, and museums.

# Date Created/Published: NYC : Federal Art Project, [1936 or 1937]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster advertising WPA Federal Writers' Project illustrated guide to natural history.

Illinois guide

# Title: Illinois: A descriptive and historical guide / galic.

# Date Created/Published: Chi[cago], Ill., : WPA Federal Art Project, [between 1936 and 1940]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster for Federal Writers' Project advertising "American Guide Series" volume on Illinois, showing outline of map of the state.

Birds of the world

# Title: Birds of the world - An illustrated natural history in popular style with 100 candid photos : A New York City, W.P.A. Federal Writers' Project book : American guide series.

# Date Created/Published: N.Y.C. : WPA Federal Art Project, [between 1936 and 1939]

# Medium: 1 print on board (poster) : silkscreen, color.

# Summary: Poster advertising WPA Federal Writers' Project illustrated guide to natural history of birds of the world.