WPA FEDERAL ARTS PROJECT POSTER

The Philadelphia Aquarium. Circa 1940.

The Philadelphia Aquarium with swimming fish is a colorful woodcut poster by Robert Muchley that was created as part of the WPA Federal Art Project and used to promote visiting the aquarium.

The Philadelphia Aquarium was one of the first aquariums in the United States. It was located on the shore of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia’s decommissioned Fairmount Water Works buildings from 1911 to 1962, as part of Fairmount Park.

The poster is part of the body of work created by the Federal Arts Project in Pennsylvania, a branch of the Works Progress Administration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's massive work-relief effort to combat unemployment during the Great Depression. The Federal Arts Project employed artists to create murals, sculptures, paintings, and posters. 

In its peak years, 1936 to 1938, the Federal Arts Project employed 5,000 artists across the country, at a salary of $95 a month. They created murals, sculptures and paintings, taught community art classes to millions, and produced 2 million posters from 35,000 designs at a cost of about a dime each. A small fraction of the posters remain today.

The original archival image is provided to Buffalo River Co courtesy of The Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. The poster image has been repaired and enhanced. We offer this Museum Quality Giclée Reproduction Print.

$69.00
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Heritage Prints FAQ

Heritage Prints preserves America's visual history through museum-quality reproductions of rare historical prints. We carefully restore and reproduce prints from the historic Buffalo River Library collection and other prestigious institutions, maintaining their authentic character while making them accessible to contemporary homes.

Each print carries forward its own journey - not a mass-produced replica but a faithful representation of American moments captured in time. From sporting life to rural traditions, these prints connect today's homes to authentic American experiences.

Our Heritage Prints honor the time-worn character that only decades can create. We preserve the yellowed paper patina, subtle corner creases, and marks and thumbtack holes where these pieces once hung - all elements that give historical prints their authentic voice.

Unlike typical reproductions that sanitize imperfections, we deliberately maintain these marks of time. The subtle aging, texture variations, and authentic patina make each Heritage Print a window to America's past rather than just a picture on your wall.

Each Heritage Print is made to order, ensuring exceptional detail and lasting beauty. Your museum-quality Giclée print arrives with a certificate of authenticity and origin story, connecting you to its unique heritage.

We use Hahnemühle fine art paper, an ultra premium 310gsm German Etching – 100% α-cellulose paper with a distinct textured surface. Its premium matt inkjet coating meets the highest industry standards for density, color gamut, and image sharpness while preserving the feel of genuine art paper.

Our premium water-based inks produce colors independently verified to last 100+ years when displayed properly.

Art that doesn't cost the earth. We believe heritage should be preserved in ways that
protect our future as well as our past. Our commitment includes:

  • Water-based inks with no harmful solvents
  • Premium papers from sustainable managed forests
  • Recycled packaging materials
  • Partnerships with local, family-owned businesses who share our values

We begin with authentic historical prints from our Buffalo River Library and collaborate with museums and prestigious institutions to obtain archival scans. Our careful restoration maintains each piece's essence - enhancing visibility while preserving the authentic aged character that makes these prints special.

Our Heritage Prints look and feel like discovering an original in a vintage store - with time-earned patina that can't be manufactured. We print the entire image as it was created many years ago, preserving the artwork's character, imperfections, and signs of its journey through time.

Our framed prints feature sustainably sourced frames made from 100% solid Ash wood by a family-owned Vermont business. They handle everything from local log sourcing to custom frame production.

Frame specifications:

  • 0.75-inch face
  • 1.5-inch depth
  • Acrylic conservation glazing
  • Acid-free backing paper
  • 100% archival matboard
  • Hanging wire installed

Our acrylic conservation glazing offers advantages over glass:

  • Optical clarity
  • Shatterproof protection
  • Lightweight design
  • Safe for all environments

Note: This information applies only to Framed Prints.

Our eCommerce for Good Heritage Print Collection turns stories into action with 50% of each print's purchase price going directly to worthy causes. When you bring one of these prints home, you're connecting to American heritage while supporting community causes that matter.

Domestic Shipping via UPS Ground or USPS

  • Free shipping on orders over $75.00
  • $7.50 shipping for orders under $75.00

Shipping Time

All Heritage Prints are made to order:

  • Unframed prints: Approximately 1-2 weeks
  • Framed prints: Approximately 2-3 weeks

Packaging

Depending on the print size, we ship in:

  • Rigid spiral-wound cardboard tubes
  • Postal envelopes
  • Corrugated cardboard boxes or envelopes made from recycled materials

International Shipping

Currently, we do not ship outside the U.S.

Return Policy

We accept returns of unframed prints within 30 days of purchase

Framed prints cannot be returned

Returned prints must be in new condition and in original packaging

Email info@buffaloriver.co with your order # for return authorization

Returns without authorization may not be accepted

If your order arrives damaged, email info@buffaloriver.co with photos for a
replacement.