Works Progress Administration

1940 WPA poster using Wee Willie Winkie to promote children's libraries

The Works Progress Administration (or WPA) was an agency in the United States during the New Deal. It was formed in 1935, during the "Second New Deal". It employed more workers than any government agency had before. It built thousands of roads, schools, and government buildings. Part of it was the Federal Art Project, which created, such as murals by Diego Rivera and the play The Cradle Will Rock. The agency was led by Harry Hopkins. It lasted until World War II. This program gave millions of people jobs during the great depression.

Works Progress Administration Media

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  WPA road development project

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  FDR and Hopkins (September 1938)

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  Noon-hour WPA band concert in Lafayette Square, New Orleans (1940)

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  Women in Costilla, New Mexico, weaving rag rugs in 1939

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  Poster representing the WPA defending itself from attacks

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  Francis C. Harrington, WPA national administrator 1938–40

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  WPA researchers and map makers prepare the air raid warning map for New Orleans within days of the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 11, 1941).

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  1940 WPA poster using Little Miss Muffet to promote reading among children.

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  Poster for the WPA shows various items that can be purchased at the 5 & 10¢ store