A veritable treasure trove of old footage

October 30, 2018 6:59 AM

The Library of Congress has unveiled its new National Screening Room, a free collection of digitized historical films, commercials, newsreels and other clips from the 1800s until the end of the 20th century and capture a broad range of American life. Notable films include home movies by the songwriters George and Ira Gershwin; issues of the “All-American News,” a newsreel intended for black audiences in the mid-20th century; and a selection of instructional films about mental health from the 1950s. Hat tip to Sara Aridi @ NYT .
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet (5 comments total)

The Miles Brothers' "A Trip Down Market Street" was filmed four days before the April 18, 1906 earthquake and fire obliterated most of downtown San Francisco.

LOC notes: "The negative was taken by train to the Miles New York office on 17 April 1906, narrowly saving it from destruction by one day and thus preserving a moment in the history of San Francisco that would soon cease to exist."
posted by ryanshepard at 7:32 AM on October 30, 2018 [2 favorites]

Oh, man. I have work to do today.
posted by octothorpe at 8:06 AM on October 30, 2018 [1 favorite]

Wow - this looks amazing!

Unfortunately, the videos themselves aren't playing for me. I really wanted to see Gay and Proud and Voting Can Be Fun. I'll try again later.

Thanks for this incredible find, SecretAgentSockpuppet!
posted by kristi at 11:35 AM on October 30, 2018

If you are interested in instructional films, you should check out the Prelinger Archives.
posted by tallmiddleagedgeek at 6:14 AM on October 31, 2018 [3 favorites]

Ah, this is all fascinating!

Film by Margaret Mead of Balinese ceremonial dances
Liza Minnelli's third birthday party
posted by jeudi at 6:50 AM on October 31, 2018 [1 favorite]