Federal Writers' Project

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 Projects Administration, a New Deal program. It was one of four New Deal arts programs known collectively as Federal One. FWP was particularly charged with employing writers, editors, historians, researchers, art critics, archaeologists, geologists and cartographers. Some 6,600 individuals were employed by the FWP.

Related Topics:
United States - Great Depression - Works Projects Administration - New Deal - Federal One

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Established on July 27, 1935, the Writers' Project operated under journalist and theatrical producer Henry Alsberg, and later John D. Newsome, and produced local histories, oral histories, ethnographies, children's books and 48 state guides to America (plus Alaska Territory, Puerto Rico and D.C.)—the American Guide Series publications were described as a "public Baedeker's Guide."

Related Topics:
July 27 - 1935 - Henry Alsberg - John D. Newsome - State - Alaska Territory - Puerto Rico - D.C. - American Guide Series - Baedeker's Guide

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Federal sponsorship for the Federal Writers' Project continued until 1939, though the program was permitted to continue under state sponsorship until April 27, 1943. By the time it was shut down, the FWP had already contributed an immense amount to the field of American studies.

Related Topics:
1939 - April 27 - 1943 - American studies

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