Have you ever heard of the Works Projects Administration (WPA)? If not, this will take you back to high school history class and the days of President Roosevelt and his New Deal. History plays an important part in genealogy, helping us understand our ancestors and their stories.
In this blog post, you’ll learn about the creation of the WPA and what records can be found to boost your genealogy research to the next level.
In a previous blog post, I wrote about how important continuing education is for improving your genealogy skills (3 Ways Continuing Education Can Advance Your Genealogy Research). Recently, an instructor reintroduced me to WPA records and how valuable they can be. Let’s see if you agree.
What Was the WPA?
The Works Progress Administration began in 1935 and continued into the early 1940s. It was part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, providing jobs to millions of Americans during the Great Depression.
Renamed in 1939 to the Works Projects Administration, its primary goal was to put people to work providing economic relief. A benefit for genealogists today is the incredible amount of records that work left behind.
Some examples of WPA projects included building roads, bridges, libraries, and schools, but they also had programs focused on preserving history.
One of its most important tasks was the documentation of local, state, and national records. These records offer information that can help you uncover details about your ancestors, or at the very least provide amazing historical context.
WPA Projects That May Help Genealogists
Many WPA projects focused on preserving history. Here are some of the most useful ones for genealogy research:
1. Historical Records Surveys
One of the most important WPA projects for genealogists was the Historical Records Survey. Workers were sent to courthouses, churches, and archives to catalog records. They created inventories of birth, marriage, and death records, as well as probate and land records. Even if the original records have been lost or damaged, these inventories can provide clues about where to look next.
FamilySearch has a wonderful introduction to these records. You can find it here.
2. Cemetery Transcriptions
Many WPA workers visited cemeteries across the country and recorded headstone inscriptions. These projects helped preserve names and dates that might otherwise have been lost to the weather or neglect. If you are struggling to find a death record, checking WPA cemetery surveys might lead you to the information you need.
Workers were also tasked with making cemetery plans. For example, the DigitalMaine Repository has many plans and blueprints of dozens of Maine cemeteries. These can be invaluable when you make the trip to your ancestor’s burial site.
3. Oral Histories and Slave Narratives
The WPA’s Federal Writers’ Project collected oral histories from people across the country, including former enslaved individuals. These firsthand accounts provide incredible insight into family histories, especially for those researching African American ancestry. These interviews capture personal stories that often can’t be found in traditional records.
Here’s an excerpt from one such interview:
For more, read Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936 to 1938
4. State and Local Histories
The WPA funded the creation of local history books and guides. These often included community histories, biographies of residents, and descriptions of businesses and organizations. If your ancestors were part of a particular town or region, these books may contain valuable details about their lives.
5. Employment and Economic Data
The WPA conducted surveys on industries, employment, and local economies. These reports can help genealogists understand what kinds of jobs their ancestors held, what wages they earned, and what economic conditions they lived in.
How To Find WPA Records
Now that you know the WPA left behind amazing collections, the next step is finding these records. Here’s where to look:
- The National Archives – Many WPA records are kept at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Their website provides guides to help access these collections.
- State Archives and Libraries – Since the WPA conducted many projects at the state level, check with your state’s archives or library for historical records surveys and local history books. One example is the Church Records Surveys at the Connecticut State Library.
- The Library of Congress – The WPA’s Federal Writers’ Project collected thousands of oral histories, many of which are available online through the Library of Congress website.
- FamilySearch and Ancestry – Some WPA records have been digitized and can be found on genealogy websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry. Searching for WPA surveys or cemetery records may lead you to useful documents.
Why WPA Records Matter For Genealogists
WPA records are especially valuable because they capture information that might otherwise have been lost. Here’s why they are essential for genealogy research:
- They preserve old records. Many of the courthouse inventories and cemetery transcriptions created by WPA workers documented records that have since been destroyed.
- They provide historical context. WPA reports offer details about the time and place where your ancestors lived, helping you understand more about them.
- They fill in gaps in traditional records. If you’ve hit a brick wall in your research, WPA records may provide alternative sources of information.
Using WPA Records In Your Family History
Once you find WPA records related to your family, consider how to use them effectively:
- Compare them with other records. Use WPA transcriptions to locate original documents when possible.
- Look for family names in community histories. If your ancestors were prominent citizens in their town, they might be mentioned in a local WPA project.
- Use them to confirm dates and relationships. WPA surveys and transcriptions can help verify key details in your family tree.
Finally
The WPA was more than just a jobs program. It was a massive effort to document and preserve American history. As genealogists, we benefit today from the records created by WPA workers decades ago. Whether you are searching for vital records, cemetery transcriptions, or local histories, the WPA’s work may hold the key to your family’s past. Take the time to explore these valuable resources.
Genealogy tip: If you’re not finding your ancestor in WPA records, don’t forget about their FAN Club. Researching the friends, associates, and neighbors may provide the information you need.
Are you ready to find your ancestors? I’m here to provide guidance or research for your latest genealogy project. Click below to book a 30-minute, no-obligation chat.
