silent films

A black and white photo of a plan of a building. Dodge Brothers Motor ...

Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company Plant, Between Joseph Campau & Conant Avenues, Hamtramck, Wayne County, MI Significance: It served as the major manufacturing and assembly plant for the Dodge automobile and is... More

Chinese Landscape, scroll painting, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Unidentified Artist Ming (1368–1644) or Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Public domain photograph of Chinese silk textile, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Chinese Hat Finial, 19th century

late Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Public domain photograph of Qing China archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Family record. N.P. - Print, Library of Congress collection

This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card. Associated name on shelflist card: Lyons, W.H.

Cenci, Beatrice - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain reproduction of portrait art print, 18th-19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Family record honor. New York - Public domain graphic arts, Library of...

This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card. Associated name on shelflist card: Kinsman.

The distressed situation of the Quebec & the Surveillante. A French sh...

This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card. Associated name on shelflist card: Boydell, John.

Karl Wolfgang Böhmer - Movie Being Filmed

Karl Wolfgang Böhmer (German (?), early 20th century) Public domain scan of 20th century German drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Yamada Koto - musical instruments, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Public domain photo of a 3d object, Asia, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Graph, undated, Alexander Graham Bell family papers

Rantzau, Christian Graf von - Public domain portrait engraving

Public domain photo of portrait art print, 17th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

All-American news. 1945-09 - movie film screenshot

All-American news were the first newsreels produced for a black audience. Made in the 1940s and 1950s, they were originally intended to encourage black Americans to participate in, and support the war effort, a... More

Seneca, Lucius Annaeus - Public domain portrait engraving

1751 / 1825 Public domain scan of 16th-century drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Picryl description: Public domain image of portrait, 18th century prin...

Public domain reproduction of portrait print engraving, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Egyptian Bead - Public domain museum image. A number of gold rings on ...

Public domain photo of a golden object, Egypt, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Alphonse Legros - Le fermier au repos

Public domain scan of artwork, France, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Edmund Anthony, New Bedford Massachusetts

Black and white bust length portrait photo of Edmund Anthony. Mounted in two-flap folder. Courtesy of New Bedford Free Public Library

Schooner A.T. Gifford - New Bedford library collection

Black and white photo of schooner A.T. Gifford in Cape Fullerton, Hudson Bay Courtesy of New Bedford Free Public Library

Gezicht op een brug bij een vaart

Public domain scan of artwork in the Rijksmuseum, Netherlands, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Historiska museum public domain image - fingerring (Form 11) av guld. ...

Dep BLM

Historiska museum public domain image - ämne (nål) av ben/horn. Sweden

Historiska museum public domain image - pilspets av järn, Sverige. Swe...

Historiska museum public domain image - ämne av ben/horn. Sweden

beslag (Bokbeslag, psalmboksknäppe), Sverige

Historiska museum public domain image - puns (spetspuns) av järn. Swed...

Historiska museum public domain image - pilspets (a1) av järn. Sweden

gjutform - Swedish History Museum

kam (ämne, enkelkam) av ben/horn

[Font Romeu], Ajuntament de Girona, Spain

Jaume Gassiot Magrey, metge, acompanyat d'altre gent, al camp de batalla de Font Romeu.

Kolozsvár - Kolozsvár látképe a Fellegvárról : levelező-lap

Kolozsvár - Kolozsvár látképe a Fellegvárról [material iconografic] : levelező-lap. - Kolozsvár : Kováts P. Fiai, [191-?]. - 1 ilustrată : color ; 9x14 cm

Waitahi, New Zealand - Muir & Moodie, New Zealand

Public domain vintage photo from New Zealand archive, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Travaux dans la rue, ouvriers avec pavés, Paris.

Tirage non monté, protégé par une pochette polyester. Inscription - Inscription au verso Travaux dans la rue, ouvriers avec pavés, Paris.

Brassó : Árpád-szobor [material iconografic]

Brassó : Árpád-szobor [material iconografic] . - Budapest : M. T. és F. I. Koch Willy, [19-]. - 1 ilustrată : alb-negru ; 13,5x8 cm.

Kolozsvár - Szamos részlet : levelező-lap

Kolozsvár - Szamos részlet [material iconografic] : levelező-lap. - [S. l.] : [s. n.], [191-?]. - 1 ilustrată : color ; 9x14 cm

Montserrat. Funicular aéreo del Monasterio. reflex

Montserrat (Catalunya). Funicular aeri desplaçant-se per una zona boscosa amb algunes roques.

Strooispel van de zeepfabriek "het waschmeisje" Voorburg

Bordspel van de zeepfabriek "het waschmeisje" in Voorburg. De kaart van Nederland met 71 genummerde met rondjes en plaatsnamen. Spelregels linksonder.

Man vid filmprojektor. / Länsmuseet Gävleborg

Man vid filmprojektor. Public domain photograph related to German history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[Newark athlete. motion picture

Experimental film made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film. Film reoriented by Gordon Hendricks. Camera, W.K.L. Dickson and William... More

Pacific Queen (built 1886; ship, 3m), Rosa Kissinger aboard during the...

View includes the PANDORA ex OTTILIE FJORD (built 1892; schooner, 3m: movie vessel) in the background.

GRAND HOTELL, HAMAR, TRAPPEOPPGANG fra 4. etg. og ned.

Glassplatesamling etter amatørfotograf Gunnerius Soot, motiv fra Hamar mm, ca 1893 til 1900. Hoveddatering 1893.

Edison kinetoscopic record of a sneeze, January 7, 1894 /

"Considered to be the first motion picture given legal status by copyright acceptance. The forty-five frames it contains were sent in for copyright as a still picture. The action consists of a man, Fred Ott, sn... More

Luis Martinetti / - vaudeville film

"Gymnast and contortionist, performing on flying rings"--Raff & Gammon price list. Copyright: no reg. Performer: Luis Martinetti of the Martinetti Brothers. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:16 at 30 fps. Film... More

Robetta and Doretto, no. 2 - movie film screenshot

"The pursuit of Hop Lee by an irate policeman"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Copyright: no reg. Performers: Phil Doretto, Robetta. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:21 at 30 fps. Filmed around November 26, 1894... More

Carmencita / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collect...

Copyright: no reg. Performer: Carmencita. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:21 at 30 fps. According to Edison film historian C. Musser, Spanish dancer Carmencita was the first woman to appear in front of an Ed... More

Imperial Japanese dance / - vaudeville film

"A charming representation of The Mikado dance by three beautiful Japanese ladies in full costume. Very effective when colored. 45 feet"--Edison films catalog. Copyright: no reg. Performers: Sarashe Sisters. Ca... More

Buffalo dance / coat of arms. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...

Three Sioux Indians in full regalia perform a "buffalo dance", while two others use drums to supply a rhythm. The three dancers move around in a circle as they perform the various actions that are part of the d... More

Sandow / - vaudeville film motion picture

10777 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright (under title Souvenir strip of the Edison Kinetoscope): W.K.L. Dickson; 18May1894; 10777. Performer: Eugen Sandow. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:40 at 16 fps. Accordin... More

Caicedo (with pole) / - vaudeville film

"King of the slack wire. His daring feats of balancing as he performs his thrilling feats in midair show that he is perfectly at home. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 94. Copyright: no reg. Performer: Juan ... More

The boxing cats (Prof. Welton's) /

Professor Welton presents an amusing fight between two trained cats wearing boxing gloves. Copyright: no reg. Featuring: Henry Welton. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:20 at 27 fps. Additional holdings for th... More

Princess Ali / - vaudeville film

Princess Ali, of Barnum and Bailey's Circus, is filmed performing an Egyptian dance. As she dances, some musicians perform in the background to provide accompaniment. Copyright: no reg. Performer: Princess Ali.... More

[Dickson experimental sound film] /

Experimental sound film made for Edison's kinetophone -- a combination of the kinetoscope and phonograph -- but apparently never distributed. This LC copy is silent. Features two men dancing to a violinist. Sho... More

Daily Isolation Report of Ammon E. Hanley

Inmate File of Ammon E. Hanley

A morning bath / motion picture

An African American mother is shown giving her struggling child a bath. She thrusts him, kicking and struggling, into a tub of foaming suds. 60142 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31Oct1896; 6... More

Sandow motion picture - movie film screenshot

Strong-man Eugene (Eugen) Sandow poses in a long shot on a bare stage against a black background, wearing only tight trunks and laced sandals. He begins with his arms folded against his chest, looking off scree... More

American falls from above, American side /

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: Shows glittering ice background and a group of photographers preparing to take pictures. 67877 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 12Dec1896; 67877. Camera, Willi... More

[At the beach and other seaside scenes] /

Public domain photograph - historical image of France, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Amy Muller / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collect...

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A beautiful fantastic toe dance. A good subject colored. Copyright: no reg. Performer: Amy Muller. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:18 at 30 fps. MAVIS 180344; Amy Muller. Fil... More

May Irwin kiss / motion picture

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: An osculatory performance by May Irwin and John Rice. The most popular subject ever shown. From Edison films catalog: By May Irwin and John Rice. They get ready to kiss, begin t... More

Madison Square, New York - movie film screenshot

"Madison Square, New York is shown just after the turn of the century. There is normal traffic consisting of streetcars and horse-drawn vehicles"--Early motion pictures. H33285 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: ... More

Shooting the chutes / motion picture

"A lively scene on the famous water chutes at Coney Island"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Copyright: no reg. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:23 at 30 fps. Filmed June 18-23, 1896, at Bergen Beach, Coney Islan... More

[Scenes from Mexico and the 1900 Paris Exposition] / - Exposition Univ...

The Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900, also known as the Paris World Fair of 1900, was a world's fair that was held in Paris, France from April 15 to November 12, 1900. The fair was held to celebrat... More

Charity ball motion picture - movie film screenshot

A man in formal dinner clothes and a woman in a white ruffled dress with a flower corsage and white shoes execute various dance steps designed as exhibition dancing. The set is bare, without backdrops or props.... More

Admiral cigarette / motion picture

In front of a large backdrop with the words "Admiral Cigarette" are four people in costume: Uncle Sam, a clergyman, an Indian, and a businessman. To their left is a very large Admiral Cigarette box, that breaks... More

Dance Bowery waltz / motion picture - Public domain musical sheets

"Shows James T. Kelly and Dorothy Kent, of Waite's Comedy Company, in the famous Bowery dance. The dancers are dressed in costumes characteristic to the surroundings, and the dance as shown is an exact reproduc... More

Giant coal dumper / motion picture

"Erie Railroad Series: The following subjects present novel and interesting views along the line of the Erie, such as do not always come within the observation of the general tourist. We are indebted to the cou... More

Fishing smacks / motion picture

Taken at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, Cal., with a large fleet of fishing boats at anchor. From a single camera position, several small fishing vessels can be seen tied to the Wharf. Several men unload fis... More

Sutro Baths / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...

"Another view in which the figures show larger. A springboard furnishes the bathers with much amusement; also a toboggan slide. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "A large indoor swimming pool is shown, as well as... More

Waterfall in the Catskills /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...

"Beautiful water effects at Haines' Falls, a most picturesque and charming mountain cataract. The wild and rugged surroundings are very impressive. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 43413 U.S. Copyright Office Co... More

S.S. "Coptic" in the harbor /. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: Shows the vessel away from the dock and slowly turning. The vessel is seen to good advantage, the four masts, smokestack and hull being faithfully reproduced. Clouds of smoke pour o... More

Single harness horses - movie film screenshot

"Shows ten horses hitched to fashionable carts driven past the judges and grandstand to show their style, action and high-stepping movements. Among the drivers, Charles F. (Fatty ) Bates, the noted whip, shows ... More

Cattle driven to slaughter /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...

"A herd of long-horn cattle being driven through the Chicago stock yard gates to the slaughter house, where 280 of the animals are killed every hour of the day"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Part of the Erie Rai... More

Loading baggage for Klondike, no. 6 /

"This was the first ship sailing for the Klondike from Seattle during the gold rush of 1897. The picture shows the excitement and enthusiasm that attended the great Klondike exodus. Crowds of anxious gold seeke... More

Launch of surf boat - movie film screenshot

"The crew of seven dressed in cork jackets, push the boat through the surf; they clamber in and row out to the wreck. 50 ft."--Edison films catalog. "Pacific Coast Life Saving Service series: These subjects are... More

Pillow fight / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

"A comic subject, clear, bright and characteristic. Shows four girls in their night dresses, engaged in an animated pillow fight. During the action the pillows become torn, and the feathers fly over their heads... More

Fast mail, Northern Pacific R. R. /

"Here is a twelve car train dashing along at a high rate of speed. It is seen first in the distance and approaches and passes by the camera. As it takes less than 30 seconds to show this 50 foot strip on a Proj... More

The sea lions' home - movie film screenshot

"The famous Seal Rocks at Golden Gate Park are here shown. Sea lions in their wild state are lying on the rocks and swimming and diving in the water. 50 ft."--Edison films catalog. "Pacific Coast Life Saving Se... More

Sheep run, Chicago stockyards /

"A large flock of sheep being driven over the runs from the cars to the slaughter beds. The sheep, pressed by the driver and frightened by the surroundings and confusion, move very fast"--Maguire & Baucus catal... More

S.S. "Williamette" leaving for Klondike /

"Shows the steamer backing out from the docks of the Northern Pacific R.R. Co. at Seattle Wash., with its immense load of passengers waving adieux to relatives and friends"--F.Z. Maguire & Co. catalog. 60556 U.... More

Seminary girls / motion picture

"A number of young ladies, in their night robes, are having a frolic, and are interrupted by a teacher. One girl makes herself very conspicuous by crawling under a bed. 50 foot strip"--Edison films catalog. 248... More

Racing at Sheepshead Bay /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...

"The finish and weighing out of a running race with nine starters. Won by famous Clifford, Sloane up. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 43414 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31July1897; 43414. ... More

Cupid and Psyche / - vaudeville film

"An original dance by the Leander Sisters, performed at the Sutro Baths, San Francisco, Cal. One is dressed as Cupid, with the accompanying wings, bow and arrow; the other represents Psyche. The dance is full o... More

Duel scene, "By right of sword"

Opens on a stage with a painted backdrop of a lake surrounded by forest. A bearded man wrapped in a dark cloak and wearing a dark fur shako--apparently the novel's character of Major Devinsky--stands stage left... More

Horses loading for Klondike, no. 9 /

"The wharf is crowded with live stock, and the huge derrick slowly drops the large box or sling into the bunch. Into this cradle a horse is led, and is slowly hoisted and swung over to the deck of the steamer. ... More

Fisherman's luck / motion picture

"Two German anglers are fishing, with odd results. One gets a bite, and pulls in a length of stovepipe. The other is so astonished that he falls overboard. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 52618 U.S. Copyright O... More

Corner Madison and State Streets, Chicago /

"The busiest corner in Chicago. Cable cars and street traffic of all descriptions. Hundreds of shoppers. Fine perspective view looking north toward the Masonic Temple. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Erie Rail... More

Buffalo stockyards / motion picture

"A long line of horses, mules and ponies are led, driven and ridden into the yards, where they are sold and distributed"--Edison films catalog. 43408 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31July189... More

Arnold Genthe - Arrest in Chinatown, San Francisco, Cal. /

This film shows the arrest and conveyance of a Chinese man in Chinatown, watched by a crowd of onlookers. The precise date of this film and the arrest charge are uncertain. It is possible that the arrest was co... More

H.W. Sheldon and party surveying house connection, Billerica Massachus...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a construction site, industrial or commercial building, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Buffalo Fire Department in action /

"Another of those stirring fire scenes which have proved so popular. There are ten pieces of apparatus in the picture. Every piece fully manned is under full headway, and is shown almost head-on to the beholder... More

First Avenue, Seattle, Washington, no. 8 /

"Taken during the Klondike excitement. The streets are crowded with miners buying outfits and supplies. Mule trains, trolley cars and hurrying pedestrians give life and bustle to the scene. 50 feet."--Edison fi... More

Surf at Monterey / motion picture

"The water breaks over the rocks, and is dashed into silvery spray, high into the air. Exceptionally fine water effects. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 105. "Southern Pacific Company Series: The Southern P... More

Free-for-all race at Charter Oak Park /

"Shows a part of the enormous crowd and the start and finish of the free-for-all pacing race, in which the fastest harness horse in the world, John R. Gentry (2:00-1/2), the coming Star Pointer and Frank Agan c... More

Lurline Baths / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...

"A large indoor swimming pool can be seen. The camera was directed toward a slide from which people can be seen entering the pool in rapid succession"--Early motion pictures. "At San Francisco. The main feature... More

Crissie Sheridan - vaudeville film

A woman in a white gown performs a skirt dance, using her arms to produce circles and other patterns within the folds of her costume. Her legs and feet appear to be bare. 60590 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: ... More

Dancing darkey boy motion picture

In this outside scene, a small African American boy--dressed in a cap, leggings, and suit with short pants--dances on a table or other flat, raised surface. Surrounding and encouraging him with hand claps is a ... More

Launch of life boat /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection

"Pacific Coast Life Saving Service series: These subjects are illustrative of the work performed by the Life Saving Corps of the United States Government, and show the methods in vogue at one of the most import... More

Hotel Vendome, San Jose, Cal. /

"The world famous hotel, with crowded piazzas, which forms the background, is one of the best in the State of Califonia and is the principal stop for tourists en route to the famous Lick Observatory. The pictur... More

Hotel Del Monte / motion picture

"Shows a party of tourists at this famous resort; located in Monterey, Cal., on the Southern Pacific Railroad. The magnificence of its surroundings is clearly shown. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Southern Pa... More

Philadelphia Express, Jersey Central Railway /

"The scene of the overhead crossing of the Pennsylvania and Jersey Central railroads at Elizabeth, N.J. While a Pennsylvania train is passing over the arch, the Philadelphia Express on the Central Railroad come... More

Stanford University, California / motion picture

"Taken at the above University, noted the world over, being the personal gift of the late Senator Leland Stanford. The view shows an immense arch in the background through which are seen coming groups of studen... More