The Human Touch

It may be a high-tech world, but workers who make things are still the basis of the economy. Photographer David L. Parker celebrates workers in their workplaces with his new book “By These Hands: Portraits from the Factory Floor,” with photos from 20 workplaces in Minnesota, including UAW workers at the Ford assembly plant in St. Paul. These powerful black-and-white pictures capture workers and their tools in their daily rhythms as they create the products that make America move. Statements by workers about their work, union camaraderie, self-respect, family life and more are interspersed among the images. Published by the Minnesota Historical Society, “By These Hands” captures the dignity and human touch most people don’t see in the industrial setting.

“By These Hands” is available at bookstores, online bookstores and from the Minnesota Historical Society at 800-621-2736. The book costs $24.95. An exhibit of photos from the book will be on display at the James J. Hill House in St. Paul through March 1, 2003.