Farm Security Administration (John Collier Jr.)

Farm Security Administration, original silver print glossy 4 x 5 inch photograph credited to John Collier Jr. Photographed is identified on verso as "FSA Agricultural Camp, Bridgeton, CT, 1942."

John Collier Jr. (May 22, 1913 – 1992), son of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs with the same name, was an American anthropologist and an early leader in the fields of Visual anthropology and Applied anthropology. His emphasis on analysis and use of still photographs in ethnography led him to significant contributions in other subfields of anthropology, especially the applied anthropology of education. His book, Visual Anthropology: Photography as a Research Method (1967) is one of the earliest textbooks in the field and is still (revised 1986) in use today. He is also notable as someone who overcame significant learning and hearing impairments to succeed on a larger stage.

The RA and FSA are well known for the influence of their photography program, 1935-1944. Photographers and writers were hired to report and document the plight of poor farmers. The Information Division of the FSA was responsible for providing educational materials and press information to the public. Under Roy Stryker, the Information Division of the FSA adopted a goal of "introducing America to Americans." Many of the most famous Depression-era photographers were fostered by the FSA project. Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and Gordon Parks were three of the most famous FSA alumni. The FSA was also cited in Gordon Parks' autobiographical novel, "A Choice of Weapons."

Printed in the second half of the 20th century as part of the American Heritage Publishing Archive.

Verso bears original filing notations and credit stamping. In very good condition.

Provenance: From the American Heritage Publishing Archives.