A Glimpse into History: The Disposition of Work Projects Administration Records
A recent update to the Congressional Serial Set, specifically the publication of “H. Rept. 77-799 – Disposition of records by the Work Projects Administration, Federal Works Agency. June 19, 1941,” offers us a fascinating look into a pivotal period of American history. This document, made publicly accessible on govinfo.gov, sheds light on the administrative processes and considerations surrounding the management of records generated by a significant government agency during the New Deal era.
Published on June 19, 1941, and made available on August 23, 2025, this report originates from the House of Representatives and was ordered to be printed, indicating its importance as a point of discussion and decision-making for Congress. The subject matter, the “Disposition of records by the Work Projects Administration, Federal Works Agency,” points to the crucial task of how to manage, preserve, or otherwise handle the vast amount of documentation produced by the Work Projects Administration (WPA).
The WPA was a cornerstone of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, established during the Great Depression to provide employment for millions of Americans on public works projects. These projects ranged from building infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings to supporting the arts through programs for writers, musicians, artists, and actors. Naturally, such extensive operations would have generated an enormous volume of records, documenting everything from project planning and execution to financial expenditures and personnel management.
The Federal Works Agency (FWA), established in 1939, played a role in consolidating various public works programs. This report’s mention of the FWA suggests that the disposition of WPA records was being considered within a broader framework of federal agency administration. The question of how to handle these records would have been multifaceted. Decisions would have needed to be made regarding which records were essential for historical preservation, which could be archived, and which might be disposed of according to established procedures.
This report serves as a valuable historical artifact, offering insights into:
- Governmental Administration: It provides a window into the administrative practices and bureaucratic processes of the federal government during a period of significant expansion and programmatic activity.
- Record Management: The document highlights the early challenges and considerations of managing and archiving large volumes of government records, a practice that continues to be vital today.
- The Legacy of the WPA: By addressing the disposition of WPA records, the report indirectly acknowledges the enduring impact of the agency’s work on American society and infrastructure.
The accessibility of such historical documents through platforms like govinfo.gov is invaluable for researchers, historians, and the general public alike, allowing for a deeper understanding of the nation’s past and the evolution of its governance. This particular report, detailing the careful consideration given to the legacy of the Work Projects Administration’s documentation, contributes to our appreciation of the historical context and the diligent work undertaken by government entities to manage their output.
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govinfo.gov Congressional SerialSet published ‘H. Rept. 77-799 – Disposition of records by the Work Projects Admini stration, Federal Works Agency. June 19, 1941. — Ordered to be printed’ at 2025-08-23 01:44. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.