The Federal Reserve's History
The Federal Reserve System (“Fed”) is the central bank of the United States. This website serves as a gateway to the history of the Federal Reserve for educators, students, and the general public. The site's purpose is to help demystify the Fed and its role in the economy and to explain how the Fed and its mission have evolved. Learn more in this overview essay on the Fed's history
Glass-Steagall
The Banking Act of 1933 expanded the Fed's regulatory duties as part of its sweeping changes to the financial system.Image Description: Glass-Steagall
Image Source: Bettmann/Bettmann/Getty Images
For Educators
Our "Teaching and Learning" page provides links to classroom and research resources for teachers, students, librarians, and anyone else interested in learning more about the story of the Federal Reserve and its role in United States history. View classroom resources
Learn more about the structure and function of the Federal Reserve System, including the three-part organization of the Fed and its five core duties.
What's New
A page for the Boston Fed's new president, Susan M. Collins, has been added. (2022-07-01)
Pages for the two new members of the Board of Governors, Lisa D. Cook and Philip N. Jefferson, have been added (2022-06-01)
A new essay on the Fed's emergency lending powers under section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act has been added (2022-05-12)
