WPA Folklore Project

The WPA Folklore Project was a program during the 1930s, part of the Works Progress Administration, that collected and preserved American folklore, stories, songs, and oral histories. Its goal was to document the diverse cultural heritage of the United States, especially from underserved communities. Researchers and artists traveled across the country, recording the voices and traditions of everyday people. This effort created an extensive archive that offers valuable insights into American culture, history, and regional identities, supporting both scholarly research and cultural preservation.