Guided Primary Source Analysis: Boeing aircraft plant – production of B-17F

Zoom into the picture above (.pdf file) and analyze the photo using the primary source analysis tool. First, just use the picture to complete your image analysis, then review the bibliographic record to add to your analysis. Share your analysis with a partner, group or the class.

This image lists some letters and numbers at the bottom of the picture. Enter the letters OWI into the search box at the top right of the Primary Source Nexus website to do some research about OWI. Summarize your findings in a paragraph and share it with a partner, group or the class.

Now review this set of Boeing images from 1942. What story do you think OWI was trying to tell about Boeing and the time period through these images? Choose several images from the set (approximately 10-15) and use them along with text (and music if you like) to tell your interpretation of the OWI story. Share your digital story with a partner, group or the class. If you upload your story to the web, feel free to add a link to it in the comments section.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!

Related resource – Primary Source Spotlight: Flight & Planes