Event Details

Lecture: The Legacy of Franklin Roosevelt’s WPA in Florida

Time: 7:00 pm til 8:00 pm

Location: Highlands Hammock State Park 5931 Hammock Road Sebring, FL 33872

Description: Florida Humanities Speaker Series: “The Legacy of Franklin Roosevelt’s WPA in Florida” by David Schmidt

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was on one of FDR’s most wide-ranging, yet controversial programs to put people to work during the Great Depression. Many saw it as a “make work’ program which did not accomplish its goals – the acronym was derided as “We Piddle Around.” The buildings, bridges, dams, power plants, schools, parks, forestry and conservation projects that were completed during the 1930s and 40s constitute a significant and cultural infrastructure that is now largely taken for-granted. Perhaps even less well known are the New Deal initiatives that included art, photography, film, literature, music and theater.

Roosevelt scholar David Schmidt looks closely at the WPA and uncovers the evidence indicating this program was tremendously successful, as even today, Floridians still use and enjoy the buildings, constructions, and murals created by the WPA.

Parking will be available in the overflow fields at the campground entrance. ADA handicapped accessible parking is available at the park recreation hall. The lecture is free and park entry

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FPAN is posting this event as a courtesy, we will neither be hosting nor attending this event.