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Salvador Dali
May 12, 2008:
To celebrate what would have been the eccentric painter’s 104th birthday, we offer you this glimpse into the bizarre world of Salvador Dali.
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Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2008:
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, here is a brief look at the amazing Aztec civilization, whose influence has endured into modern-day Mexican celebration and culture.
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Food Shortage
April 28, 2008:
The current world food crisis is said to be the worst since the 1940s post-war shortage, when President Harry Truman urged citizens to make voluntary sacrifices to provide hope for others.
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Jack Nicholson
April 21, 2008:
Happy birthday to actor Jack Nicholson, born on April 24, 1937.
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In Memory of Charlton Heston (1924 – 2008)
April 14, 2008:
Charlton Heston, screen legend and political activist, has passed away at the age of 84. This great actor lit up the screen during his expansive career, and we honor him with this tribute.
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Electric Car
April 7, 2008:
With gas prices skyrocketing, people are seeking alternative power for transportation. Here is a look at the electric car of 60 years ago. It may still be the way of the future.
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Environmental Politics
March 31, 2008:
When considering the environment, some officials think of local benefits while ignoring larger consequences. This clip from 1936 illustrates the proposal of one politician to divert major ocean currents, and the possible ramifications of this plan. |
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Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - 2008)
March 24, 2008:
Science fiction writer, inventor and futurist Arthur C. Clarke has died at age 90. He wrote over 100 sci-fi books including "2001, A Space Odyssey." Clarke talks about the potential of the human brain in this clip. |
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The Luck of the Irish
March 17, 2008:
The shamrock, a long-held symbol of the Emerald Isle, is collected and proudly worn on the Irish Guards’ uniform every St. Patrick’s Day. Even if you can’t grab hold of a leprechaun today, maybe these shamrocks will help bring you the luck of the Irish. |
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Minnie the Figure Skating Bear
March 10, 2008:
March is the month for the World Figure Skating Championships. Here, Minnie the bear demonstrates her talent for the sport. This clip exemplifies some of the unique and quirky footage that WPA represents. |
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Fidel Castro Resigns
February 20, 2008:
Fidel Castro is stepping down as Cuba’s president after holding the position for 49 years. This is the second time he has resigned from a government position. Watch Castro “resign” as premier in 1959 - one of many clips WPA offers of this charismatic leader. |
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Presidents Day
February 18, 2008:
On this holiday, and in tribute to one of America's greatest leaders, we share with you the timeless elegance of the Lincoln Memorial. |
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Valentine's Day
February 11, 2008:
Roses are red, violets are blue. Valentine's Day is here, it's true! Sneak a peek into the production process of these greeting cards that you and your loved ones receive on this special holiday. |
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Margaret Truman
February 4, 2008:
Margaret Truman Daniel, noted author and daughter of former President Truman, recalled that President Roosevelt’s death was difficult on her father because FDR had not briefed him on key events. This interview comes from the archives of public broadcaster WETA, an extensive source of political footage. |
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In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 21, 2008:
In Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory, we share with you footage of the historic march King led in 1965 from Selma to the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery. The march culminated in a rousing speech King gave in Montgomery, days after the many protesters set out from Selma. |
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President Pervez Musharraf
January 14, 2008:
In the wake of recent events, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is a focus of public scrutiny. In this clip from the WETA television archives, Atlantic Monthly editor Robert D. Kaplan offers his opinion on Musharraf's rise to power via 1999's coup d'etat. |
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Isaac Asimov
December 31, 2007:
Legendary science fiction writer Isaac Asimov was born on January 2, 1920. He talks about his Three Laws of Robotics in this clip. |
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Ken Starr
December 24, 2007:
Ken Starr is no stranger to political controversy, and the question of religion in politics seems to be a hot-button issue in the 2008 presidential campaigns. In this clip, one of the newest in our collection of political footage, Starr weighs in on the topic. |
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Rep. Henry Hyde, 1924-2007
December 10, 2007:
The late Congressman Henry Hyde represented his Illinois district for more than three decades. During Oliver North’s appearance in the Iran-Contra hearings, Hyde defended the government’s need, at times, to work in secrecy. |
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National Tie Month
December 3, 2007:
December is National Tie Month (perhaps because the tie is a great holiday gift?). This week, take a look at a pub owner who collects ties - even other people's ties - as a hobby. |
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'Tis the Season
November 26, 2007:
After this last weekend, holiday shopping must be on your mind. Relax between trips to the stores and take a look at Christmastime in 1961. |
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Helium on 34th Street
November 19, 2007:
It's Turkey time once again and what better way to celebrate than by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Watching giant helium balloons drift through the streets of Manhattan has been a Thanksgiving tradition since first introduced in 1928, and here is the 1935 parade preserved on film for us to enjoy still today. |
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Polls and Predictions
November 12, 2007:
Do polls and TV predictions influence voters too much? The question has been debated for decades, as this 1984 news feature demonstrates.
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Porter Wagoner (1927-2007)
October 31, 2007:
Multiple GRAMMY Award winner Porter Wagoner has died at age 80. Porter's hit records, rhinestone Nudie suits and syndicated TV show made him a household name. The WPA Film Library represents thousands of classic country performances from Wagoner's show and others. Here, Porter and fellow country music star Faron Young joke about clothing. |
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Animal Shelter
October 29, 2007:
October is "Adopt a Shelter Dog Month." Here is a look at man's best friend, eager to provide unconditional love to a new and welcoming family. Who couldn't love those wagging tails and big brown eyes? |
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Gore on Alternative Energy
October 22, 2007:
Even 25 years ago, alternative energy resources were a topic of concern for recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore. Here is the young congressman from Tennessee speaking his part for the environment.
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National Sarcastic Awareness Month
October 15, 2007:
We know how deeply you care about sarcasm; doesn't everybody? This clip about "The Cliché Family" and their adventures in TV commercials should make your month truly meaningful. |
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National Chili Month
October 8, 2007:
Did you know October is National Chili Month? Enjoy this classic TV commercial, one of many WPA offers. |
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Julie Andrews
October 1, 2007:
Happy Birthday, Julie Andrews! Lesser-known parts of the talented performer's career include this modeling assignment from 1958.
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In Celebration of Changing Leaves
September 24, 2007:
September 23rd is the first official day of Fall. In celebration of the season, view this clip of scenic beauty from one of our new HD collections.
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Candidate Fred Thompson
September 17, 2007:
Early in his career, Fred Thompson acted as Minority Counsel in the Watergate hearings...
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Back to School
September 4, 2007:
As children head back to school, take a look at what was considered a modern school in 1949.
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Democratic National Convention 1968
August 27, 2007:
This week in history: A raucous Democratic Convention, 1968. As protests rage outside the convention hall, the Democrats nominate... |
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Panama Canal Opens
August 13, 2007:
This Date in History: August 15, 1914. The Panama Canal opens, connecting the Atlantic ... |
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Hank Aaron
August 6, 2007:
With his home run record about to be broken, watch this interview... |
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Jimmy Hoffa
July 30, 2007: Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared this week in 1975.... |
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Lady Bird Johnson
July 23, 2007: Americans remember the life of Lady Bird Johnson, who worked to beautify the nation and support Lyndon Johnson... |
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Operation Trinity
July 16, 2007: This Date in History: July 16, 1945. American scientists exploded the first nuclear weapon in the deserts of New Mexico... |
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Global Warming
July 9, 2007: This glacier in Alaska has been affected by increasing global temperatures. |
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Celebrating the Fourth of July
July 9, 2007: The National Symphony, conducted by Mstislav Rostropovich, celebrates Independence Day to the tune... |
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1957 News Flash: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer
June 25, 2007: 50 years ago, the Medical Research Council warned of life-threatening dangers associated with smoking cigarettes. |
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Muhammad Ali Convicted of Draft Evasion
June 18, 2007: This Date in History: On June 20, 1967, boxing champion Muhammad Ali was convicted of draft evasion. He was sentenced to five... |
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Six Day War
June 11, 2007: Forty years ago, Israel and many Arab nations fought in the Six Day War. This war had far reaching consequences for the Middle East. |
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D-Day
June 4, 2007: On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded German-occupied France. The success of D-Day marked the beginning of the end for Axis forces. |
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First Hovercraft Test
May 28, 2007: On the first of June, 1959, the world's first hovercraft did what it was designed to do in a successful test flight. |
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Amelia Earhart's Solo TransAtlantic Flight
May 21, 2007: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. |
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Jamestown
May 14, 2007: Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown with this recreation .... |
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Basketball Championships
May 7, 2007: In 1966 the Celtics would win their eighth consecutive championship, an impressive feat .... |
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National Bicycle Month
April 30, 2007: May is National Bicycle
Month. Bikes have come in many shapes and sizes .... |
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Shirley Temple's
Birthday
April 23, 2007: In the 1930s, journalist
Walter Winchell put his foot in his mouth while
commenting .... |
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Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome
April 16, 2007: In the 1930s, journalist
Walter Winchell put his foot in his mouth while
commenting .... |
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Marian Anderson
April 9, 2007: On April 9, 1939, Marian
Anderson sang “My Country `Tis of Thee”.... |
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Passover
April 2, 2007: Every year Jews around the
world mark the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.... |
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Spring is Bursting Out!
March 26, 2007: Time-lapse provides a
unique look at the seasons, as seen in these plants .... |
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Alcatraz Closes Its
Doors
March 19, 2007: On March 21, 1963, Alcatraz
closed after being a federal penitentiary for 29 years.... |
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Truman Doctrine
March 12, 2007: On March 12, 1947,
President Truman introduced the Truman Doctrine.... |
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Safety Instructional
Films
March 5, 2007: This 1940s workplace safety
film, full of office pratfalls, is one of many
entertaining instructional.... |
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Formation of the
Peace Corps
February 26, 2007: On March 1, 1961,
President Kennedy announced the establishment of the
Peace Corps.... |
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Al Green
February 19, 2007: This year the talented
Al Green celebrates his 40th year in show business.... |
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