Environmental History: DOCUMERICA
From what I’ve been told, I’m right on the cusp of being either a Gen Xer or a Millennial -- a Xennial as it were (that weird micro generation born between 1977 and 1985). I tell you this because it’s important to note that cell phones weren’t in existence during my youth and disposable cameras didn’t become widely affordable until my teens. My dad took his ‘good’ Nikon everywhere and fancied himself an amateur photographer. He was good at it too (still is), especially outdoor photography. He’d have the film developed on slides which filled countless carousels. Then, he would pull out a wall-sized, retractable screen to entertain viewers with family slideshows.
Gas shortage 6/1973
As you might guess, imagery and the art of photography became ingrained on me. I have always adored old photographs. Black and white, sepia, vintage, full color…I just love it. I think “Why? Why this shot?” “What compelled the photographer to shoot this?” “Did this scene or these people mean something to them?” “What was it?” And, photos of people are even more intriguing to me! Just the same, when I came across the DOCUMERICA Project, I was absorbed! (and, I think you will be too…
For the DOCUMERICA Project (1971-1977), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hired (at $150/day + film and expenses) freelance photographers to “photographically document subjects of environmental concern”, EPA activities, and everyday life across the United States in the 1970s.
The collection reports over 22,000 photographs in the U.S. National Archives and they’ve digitized more than 15,000 photographs from the series Documerica (Local ID 412-DA) and included them in an online catalog.
I encourage you to visit the catalog linked above. It’s an addictive time capsule of imagery. The visuals are haunting, beautiful, and compelling.
