WPA Art Links Past to Present: Thinking About Boston

Teaching units about the Great Depression include the Works Projects (also Progress) Administration (WPA). The records of this government program that put millions of unemployed Americans to work in public works projects are held in the National Archives. They reveal fascinating stories about local history: the building of the school cafeteria, curb cuts, road improvements...and … Continue reading WPA Art Links Past to Present: Thinking About Boston

What’s the difference between the National Archives and the Library of Congress?

I co-wrote today’s post with Stephen Wesson at the Library of Congress. It is also posted on the Teaching with the Library of Congress blog. In 10 words or less, it’s what we've got and how we got it. But we’ll go on. Because we get asked this question a lot. Both of us do. And because both … Continue reading What’s the difference between the National Archives and the Library of Congress?

What’s in the National Archives and how’s it organized?

Today's post comes from Carol Buswell, education specialist at the National Archives at Seattle. Archives are almost nothing like libraries, except that they are open to the public for research purposes.  Be prepared to learn something completely new. First, let’s talk about what you’re probably used to: libraries. Libraries collect documents.  They are in competition … Continue reading What’s in the National Archives and how’s it organized?