Southwest Federal Center in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Growth of Social Security
1941
— granite —
June 27, 2023
1. The Growth of Social Security Marker
Henry Kreis
(b. 1899, Essen, Germany - d. 1963, Essex, Connecticut)
Henry Kreis' The Growth of Social Security is an allegory for the founding of federal social services in America. Two men clasp hands in celebration of having planted a sapling, which represents the inherent promise of Social Security that shared labor and planning will provide for an uncertain future. Kreis' corresponding panel, The Benefits of Social Security, shows the fulfillment of that promise as the tree bears fruit above the building's Third Street entrance.
Henry Kreis was born in Germany and served in the German Army during World War I. He immigrated to America in 1922 and produced materials, architectural ornamentations, medals, coin designs, and other sculptural objects over his nearly forty year career. The Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building was completed in 1941 and was intended to become the permanent headquarters of the Social Security Administration. The building's corresponding decorative program was commissioned by the Section of Fine Arts to represent the purpose and merits of the agency. However, upon completion, the building was commandeered by the War Department for the duration of World War II. By war's end, the Social Security Administration had outgrown the building and so never
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Erected by Fine Arts Collection, U.S. General Services Administration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 38° 53.242′ N, 77° 0.983′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Federal Center. Marker is at the intersection of Independence Avenue Southwest and Maryland Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling east on Independence Avenue Southwest. The marker is on the north side of the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 330 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington DC 20237, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nora Naranjo-Morse (within shouting distance of this marker); Cardinal Direction Marker: South (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Nora Naranjo-Morse (within shouting distance of this marker); Traditional Croplands (within shouting distance of this marker); Eastern Meadow (about
June 27, 2023
2. The Growth of Social Security
Additional keywords. The Growth of Social Security
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2023. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2023.
