Join us for a virtual conversation about the pioneers of the Federal Writers' Project who uncovered Virginia history in the 1930s and what their work tells us now. The writers hired in the commonwealth as part of this New Deal effort challenged conventional academic approaches to American history and paved the way for new representations. They raised questions about what history is recorded and who gets to record it. 

David Taylor, producer of the podcast series the People's Recorder, which explores the Federal Writers' Project in Virginia, will moderate the discussion with Dr. Julian Hayter, historian and associate professor of leadership studies at the University of Richmond; Kiki Petrosino, professor and director of creative writing at the University of Virginia and the author of White Blood: A Lyric of Virginia; and historian Gregg Kimball, retired director of public services and outreach at the Library of Virginia.

The Federal Writers' Project examined topics such as the personal narratives of formerly enslaved Virginians as well as the legacy of the Lost Cause. Many issues faced by the Works Progress Administration writers during the Great Depression are still with us. This event fosters a dialogue aimed at better understanding our history.

For more information, contact Anne McCrery at anne.mccrery@lva.virginia.gov or 804.692.3568. This is a free event, but registration is required. Information on how to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed to you upon registration.