GREAT DEPRESSION RESOURCES
The CSGA Blog

We all know how difficult it is to find records that are “recent” (within the last 100 years); so, if you or your ancestors experienced any part of the Great Depression, and you’ve been wondering where to find more information about the 1930s, be sure to check out “FDR’s Alphabet Soup.” This is a series of posts on the California State Genealogical Alliance Blog that describes 19 agencies created during the Great Depression. Each post gives hints on how to use the agencies’ records to augment your genealogical research. The articles, written by Cath Madden Trindle, are jam-packed with information and helpful links—a historical treasure trove that everyone should explore. Visit http://www.csga.com/Blog/ to access past monthly posts.

photo: Civilian Conservation Corps NARA

FDR’s Alphabet Soup—Records from the Great Depression http://www.csga.com/Blog/2012/09/12/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-from-the-great-depression/

WPA Historical Records Survey http://www.csga.com/Blog/2014/03/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-from-the-great-depression-13/

FERA Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works http://www.csga.com/Blog/2013/08/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-from-the-great-depression-6/

CCC Civilian Conservation Corps http://www.csga.com/Blog/2012/12/26/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-of-the-great-depression/

NRA National Recovery Administration http://www.csga.com/Blog/2014/08/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-of-the-great-depression-5/

FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation http://www.csga.com/Blog/2014/02/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-from-the-great-depression-12/

REA Rural Electrification Administration http://www.csga.com/Blog/2013/05/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-from-the-great-depression-4/

FCA Farm Credit Administration http://www.csga.com/Blog/2013/11/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-from-the-great-depression-10/

FHA Federal Housing Administration http://www.csga.com/Blog/2014/10/15/fdrs-alphabet-soup-records-of-the-great-depression-4/

In addition to the agencies listed above, eleven more are on the CSGA Blog.

For your viewing enjoyment: WPA (Works Progress Administration) – 1937

RESEARCH TIP: Yale University has devised an inter-active map at

http://photogrammar.yale.edu/map/ which links U. S. locations to NARA photographs from the Depression years 1935 to 1945. Take a look to see if you can find pictures of your ancestors’ towns or areas! Many thanks to the CSGA Blog for alerting your QHGS Blogger to this resource.