Youth Also Serves: NYA's Response to the 1938 Hurricane

This silent film documents the efforts of young people in National Youth Administration (NYA) centers in Rhode Island and Connecticut in the aftermath of the devastating hurricane of September 1938.

Reel 1 begins by showcasing the everyday activities of youths at the NYA centers in Kingston and Providence, Rhode Island, and in New Haven, Connecticut, providing a baseline of their regular contributions before the disaster. It then transitions to scenes of the hurricane's impact, capturing significant damage in New London and Norwich, Connecticut, and in Providence, Rhode Island. Notable figures such as NYA Administrator A.W. Williams and Rhode Island Governor R.E. Quinn are featured, emphasizing official involvement and oversight.
Reel 2 expands on the hurricane's aftermath, showing further destruction in Norwich, Hartford, and New London, Connecticut, as well as in West Warwick, Charlestown, and Narragansett, Rhode Island. The film highlights the active participation of NYA youths and men in emergency response efforts, including fighting floodwaters, clearing debris, and repairing damage. After these relief efforts, the youths return to their regular tasks, illustrating resilience and continuity. The reel concludes with visits from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Senator T.F. Green to the Kingston Center, underscoring the national recognition and support for the NYA's work in disaster recovery.

"Youth Also Serves" celebrates the crucial role of young people in community resilience and recovery, blending their regular vocational training with a significant contribution to disaster relief efforts.