Works Progress Administration (WPA) Marionettes

Marionettes created as part of the Federal Theatre Project (1935–39). Found in Pennsylvania by Houston antiques/arts collector and seller, Rosalie Renfro. They joined my household many years ago. This Federal program was part of the New Deal to fund theatre and other live artistic performances and entertainment programs in the United States during the Great Depression. It was one of five Federal Project Number One projects sponsored by the Works Progress Administration. Not intended as a cultural activity per se, but as a relief measure to employ artists, writers, directors and theater workers.