The Legacy of FDR's WPA in Florida

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was one of FDR’s wide-ranging, yet controversial programs. Many saw it as a “make work” program which did not accomplish its goals-the acronym was derided as “We Piddle Around.” The evidence indicates that the program was far more successful and, even today, Floridians enjoy the buildings and constructions created by the WPA.

David Schmidt is currently the curator of the Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida. Before that, he taught for 37 years focusing on United States History, geography, and special education. Mr. Schmidt holds two masters’ degrees from Ball State University and did additional study at Michigan State University, Indiana University, and Bowling Greene State University.