Senior Curator Michelle Hearn discusses the important role of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Florida. During the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt created several work relief programs—including the CCC—to address the nation’s economic hardships. By the 1930s, millions of acres of Florida land had been devastated by clear-cutting, poor farming practices, and phosphate mining. Many small farmers were destitute, and unemployment was widespread. In Florida, the CCC engaged in massive reforestation efforts, the establishment of the Florida state park system, and infrastructure projects. About 40,000 young men served in Florida’s CCC units, allowing them to support their families.

This program will be presented at Mission San Luis. Free admission to Mission San Luis for attendees the day of program.