English I class,
Click Here to go to the Library of Congress’ web site of Great Depression photos. First I want you to just explore the black and white collections. There are over 100,000 images, so I recommend you browse through the photographers list or the subject list to narrow this exploration. One of the most famous photographers was Dorthea Lange—you might look at hers first.
Use the GALLERY VIEW, so you can see all the photos at once.
1. Then select three images that you found most interesting—print them. Answer these questions for all three photos—What kind of life does this person lead? What kind of life did they lead before the Great Depression, do you think? What is the mood (emotion) of the persons in the photo right now? What information does the caption give you? What is not given? What else do you want to know from these photos? What questions do you want answered?
2. Next, the LOC has a collection of color photos from the same era. There are far fewer in this collection because color photography was newer at the time. Browse the collection—again select three photos—print (in b/w) and answer these questions-- compare these images to the black and white ones—Describe the photos. Does the color make a difference in your connection to the photo? Which look more life like to you—the b/w or the color? What differences in your understanding of the life during the Great Depression are given with the color photos? It is the same time period—which do you connect more with—the black and white or the color? Why?
3. Now go to the main page of the collection and do a subject search for Mothers and Children. Browse this collection in Gallery View—there should only be about 8 pages to look through. What are the age ranges in the kids? How do the kids appear—describe them and their actions. Compare them with kids today. How do the mothers look? How do you think they feel? Write a paragraph putting yourself in the place of one of those pictured—either a child or a parent—describe your life, how you feel and what you are going to do.
4. For the last activity with these photos, click on the two links below—both connect to a family’s Christmas celebration. Discuss the differences between the Christmas celebrations of these families. Then search for Christmas photos in both the color section and the black and white one—print off two that interested you—discuss the photos—what is going on in the two? What impression does it give you of this time period.
Christmas dinner in home of Earl Pauley. Near Smithfield, Iowa. Dinner consisted of potatoes, cabbage and pie.
