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During the height of the Great Depression in 1935, the Works Progress Administration created a WPA poster division. Over the course of the next eight years, this unit created 500 jobs for artists, 35,000 designs. Of the two million posters printed, very few survived as most were simply discarded after use.

The Library of Congress owns the largest collection at over 900 posters, and many are available to download for free.

WPA Posters During the height of the Great Depression in 1935, the Works Progress Administration created a WPA poster division. Over the course of the next eight years, this unit created 500 jobs for artists, 35,000 designs. Of the two million posters printed, very few survived as most were simply discarded after use. The Library of Congress owns the largest collection at over 900 posters, and many are available to download for free at http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/wpapos/

www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/wpapos

Works Progress Administration More than a creative endeavor, the WPA posters also promoted the social agenda of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. Among these goals were good health, accessible education, community engagement, cultural programs, domestic tourism, sports, conservation, and a strong work ethic. During its last two years of existence, the division also produced posters to mobilize the population during World War II.

WPA poster: Poster showing two deer crossing road in front of approaching car. Text: Don't Kill our Wild Life, Department of the Interior, National Park Service

1936-1940

WPA Poster promoting use of fire retardant materials in home construction, showing a couple trapped in burning house. Text: Cellar Ceilings must be FIRE-RETARDED. Keep Cellars Clean. F. H. La Guardia, Mayor. Langdon W. Post, Comm.

1937

WPA Poster from the Adult Education Program of the Chicago Board of Education announcing free education classes for adults, showing a man, wearing a suit, reading. Text: Free neighborhood classes for adults Enroll now : Classes in reading - writing - arithmetic - also art - music - psychology - language - social studies.

1937

WPA Poster showing stylized black Napoleon. Text: Haiti, a drama of the black Napoleon, by William Du Bois, Lafayette Theatre

1938

WPA Poster for the United States Travel Bureau promoting tourism, showing two people in caverns. Text: See America. United States Travel Bureau.

1936-1939

WPA Poster promoting conservation of water for the war effort. Text: War industry needs water Protect production : Use it wisely. Philadelphia Council of Defense

1941-1943

WPA Poster promoting early diagnosis and treatment for cancer, showing a rooster crowing at sunrise. Text: Early is the watchword for cancer control Early diagnosis, early treatment will save many lives : Early cancer can be cured.

1936-1938

WPA Posters

WPA Posters

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http://egrove.olemiss.edu/jdw_exhibits/36

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