LibGuides: Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota: Overview

Introduction

The Civilian Conservation Corps, best known as the CCC, was a New Deal-era federal program created to provide employment during the Great Depression.

The administration of the CCC was a collaboration between many federal and state agencies. The Labor, War, Army, Office of Indian Affairs, and the National Park Service all handled different aspects of the CCC. Within Minnesota, the Conservation Department and its sub-divisions handled camp projects. Through this complex administrative system, Minnesota managed up to 104 CCC camps until the completion of the program in 1942.

Researching the CCC in Minnesota provides a glimpse of life in the state during the Great Depression, as well as the efforts to preserve many of Minnesota's natural resources. Researching individual Minnesotans in the CCC may enrich your understanding of your family history, and may also shed light on race relations and tensions from the time. This guide is organized depending on whether you wish to learn more about the CCC organization and work, or about a particular member who served in the CCC in Minnesota. Please consult the appropriate tabs, as well as suggested outside resources, to further your research.

Best Bets

The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota, by Barbara W. Sommer.
Saint Paul, Minn.: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2008.
A detailed overview of the CCC in Minnesota. Includes information on the history of the CCC, local administration, personal reminiscences, and more. Appendix I provides a thorough list of all CCC camps in Minnesota and references camp numbers, local camp papers, and dates of operation.
MNHS call number: Reading Room S932 .M45 S66 2008

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Papers,
Large collection of local Minnesota CCC periodicals, organized by individual camp.
MNHS call number: Microfiche 1078, Microfilm 2051

Research Options

Visit the MNHS Library
Original materials, records, and newspapers on microfilm are available on site and reference staff can help with research.
MNHS Research Services
Order copies of records, articles, or other specific materials from the MNHS collections.
Interlibrary Loan
MNHS loans out most microfilm materials. Contact your local library for more information and assistance with this service.
Online Research
Some items such as newspapers, articles, photos and objects are available online. Look for links within this guide.
Other Libraries
Many books listed in the Secondary Sources page can be borrowed from other libraries.