WPA Image Project

The Works Progress Administration was the largest New Deal agency, employing millions to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. One of these projects undertaken in Springfield was the photographing of every building in the city. This project took place in 1938 & 1939 and represents what the City of Springfield looked like in the years between the Great Depression and World War II. The Springfield Preservation Trust has taken on an effort to digitally scan these images, which are found in the City of Springfield Building Department. The images are organized into albums by street which can be accessed using the links below. When viewing the individual images, click on the info icon in the top right side of the page to see the address information.

This archive is generously funded through a matching grant generously provided by member John Zebb in partnership with the Springfield Preservation Trust. Early digital archiving efforts were initiated and led by volunteer Stephen Davis, whose dedication to digitization and preservation spanned more than a decade. Ongoing digitization work is being carried forward by consultant Devon McDaniel, made possible through John Zebb’s philanthropic matching gift to the organization. The project has also benefited from sustained organizational support over its twelve-year completion window from Ben Murphy, Jim Boone, and Erica Swallow.