The Way We Worked

: Young women delivering ice, 1918. National Archives, Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs.

The Way We Worked, adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National Archives, explores how work became a central element in American culture by tracing the many changes that affected the workforce and work environments. The exhibition draws from the Archives’ rich photographic collections, covering more than 150 years to tell this compelling story. Why, where, and how do we work? What value does work have to individuals and communities? What does our work tell others about us?

The Way We Worked is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and is adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Historic New England is partnering with SITES for their Museum on Main Street initiative to host this exhibition across New England. The Way We Worked is available in this region for six-week bookings beginning September 2012 through June 2014. Each hosting institution will have the opportunity to add objects from their collection to the exhibition, making this an especially local experience.

More information on renting The Way We Worked.

View images from The Way We Worked.