Nostalgic Travel Memories
The Works Progress Administration (WPA), established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 during the Great Depression, was a New Deal program aimed at providing jobs and revitalizing the economy. Among its many initiatives, the WPA’s Federal Art Project (FAP) employed artists to create public murals, prints, and posters—many of which promoted travel and tourism across the United States. The WPA travel posters, known for their bold colors, streamlined designs, and striking depictions of national parks, cities, and historic landmarks, captured the optimism of the era. These posters not only encouraged domestic tourism but also set a lasting aesthetic standard, influencing modern travel and vintage poster art. Today, these designs remain iconic, inspiring contemporary artists and printmakers who celebrate their timeless appeal.