104Z Fall 2025 Cataloguing Americana: Virginian Artists in The Index of American Design Collection

In 1935, the United States government commissioned the Index of American Design (IAD) project as part of the Federal Art Project (FAP) under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to document the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage while providing relief to unemployed artists. The IAD collection, held by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. consists of over 18,000 watercolors by over 400 artists as well as additional project records. Through its 1930s depiction and cataloguing of Americana, the IAD provides an opportunity to explore the evolution of what “America” and American identity means both then and now, both on the national and state level. The National Gallery of Art looks to highlight this unique collection and core projects with new audiences in fun, engaging, and impactful ways through a suite of digital offerings. With the right tools, it will provide opportunities to “unfold” this collection online in immersive ways that accord with the National Gallery of Art’s mission. Please note the accompanying trip to this lecture, 1004E National Gallery of Art. 

Abby S. Whitlock is digital initiatives coordinator for the Digital Content Strategy and Experience Division at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. She provides administration, strategic planning, and project management support to the chief digital officer and the division’s initiatives. She received her BA with highest honors in History and European Studies from the College of William and Mary and her MSc with distinction in History from the University of Edinburgh.