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A resource for students, educators and all lovers of American History
The Early 1900s
At the turn of a new century, the early 1900s was also the advent of motion pictures. This was the first period in American history where we could visually document the world around us in moving pictures.
This collection spans from the turn of the century until about 1930 and includes early documentary footage, early motion pictures seen during those times, and more. 
The Wright Brothers & Early Aviation History: 1903
Learn about the Wright Brothers. See their house and shop as well as their famous flight in Kitty Hawk, NC. This film also shows the progression of aviation in the U.S. through the first half of the 20th century.
The Great Train Robbery: 1903
Credited as starting the motion picture industry. It was a huge success and was one the first movies of moderate length whose purpose was to tell a story.
President Theodore Roosevelt: 1901 - 1909
A short biography presenting the life and presidency of Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States - featuring rare footage.
The Living Past 
Events and everyday life in the early 1900s focusing mainly on the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. Other events include the 1904 subway opening in NY, Admiral Dewey in Venezuela, and a Nicleodeon movie of the times.
Titanic: The Night of April 14th, 1912
From the anthology series One Step Beyond. A women has premonitions that she and her husband are to drown. Soon she finds she is boarding the titanic for America. An interesting story based on real life events.
Sinking of the Lusitania: 1915
The sinking of the Lusitania helped turn public opinion against Germany and helped to bring the U.S. into World War I. This documentary-style animation is a recreation of the event.
Ellis Island: Island of Hope Island of Tears
From the late 1800s through the first part of the 20th century, the U.S. saw a great influx of immigrants pass through Ellis Island. See what it was like for these families, many who were poor come to America.
Early Advertising: circa 1920
This is a very early commercial for Flash Cleaner. 90 years before the Sham-Wow, this silent ad served its purpose well by showing what Flash Cleaner is and why you need it.
Never Weaken: 1921
Harold Lloyd was one of the kings of silent comedies. His daredevil-like stunts were actually a bit of early film trickery as he was able to fool audiences that he was suspended 10 stories above the street.
Ford's Mirror of America: 1915 - 1930
From about 1915 - 1930 Henry Ford's movie production company documented everyday life and the events of that period. Produced in 1960, this narrated compilation of those clips provide a unique walkthrough of those times.
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