Ohio History Journal

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THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PROGRAM

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PROGRAM

OF THE OHIO HISTORICAL RECORDS

SURVEY PROJECT

 

By JAMES H. RODABAUGH

 

Beginnings

The Ohio Historical Records Survey Project began operations

in February, 1936. It was organized and operated by the super-

visors of the Writers' Project until November, 1936, when it be-

came an independent part of Federal Project No. 1. In Septem-

ber, 1939, Congress abolished the Federal projects, after which

the Ohio survey was established as a State project, sponsored by

the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society.

Purpose

The purpose of the survey is twofold: To give work relief

and to contribute to the welfare of the State. It gives employ-

ment to "white-collar" workers who were caught in the stringency

of an unprecedented economic depression. The underlying prin-

ciple of this work relief program is to furnish useful employment

which contributes to the public welfare. The second purpose is

met by the compilation of inventories to source materials and

bibliographical guides to published materials pertaining to Ohio

and her history and the surveying of historic sites, buildings, and

other objects in the State of Ohio.

Organization and Operation

In order to carry on its work the survey is operating, or has

operated, in each of the 88 counties. It is organized along the

general lines of a modern research and publishing institution, em-

ploying fieldworkers, editors, writers, and proofreaders, but lack-

ing salesmen and adequate advertising facilities. The workers

are people certified for public relief. In most cases, although they

lack the qualifications for historical research, they become much

 

* Mr. John O. Marsh, formerly State director of the survey, collaborated in the

preparation of portions of this paper. I wish to acknowledge a debt to Miss Lillian

Kessler, who succeeded Mr. Marsh as State director, for information as to the present

status of the project.

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