Bright Dreams, Hard Times: America in the Thirties

The stock market crash of 1929, propelled America into a decade of hard times, characterized by economic depression, environmental disaster, and political unrest after World War I. For many historians, the 1930s represents an era when America—her people and government—were looking for ways to survive in a national crisis.

After the prosperity of the 1920s, many Americans confronted pervasive poverty for the first time.  Local and state governments crumbled under the heavy burden of unemployment, while service agencies struggled to provide help for growing numbers of indigent and homeless. 

Bright Dreams, Hard Times: America in the Thirties looks at the 1930s from an historic and a 21st century perspective.  First-person portrayals, workshops, and the Dust Bowl exhibit examine four themes that resonate with Americans today.

1. The changing relationship between Americans and their national government
2. Flowering of artistic and intellectual activity
3. Role of religion in public life
4. Democratization of American culture through new technologies (radio and sound movies)