From Propaganda to Fine Art

The photo history presentation available for streaming (below) centers around the Farm Security Administration (FSA) photographs, taking a closer look as to why they were made, what role the photographers played, and how the images were used for political leverage and educational purposes. At a time of exorbitant unemployment rates, distressed agricultural conditions and a rapidly growing population of urban poor, the quintessential images of The Great Depression were key in helping to garner support for President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” programs, affecting real change that directly helped a significant number of Americans in a time of need—policies and programs that many of us still benefit from today.