This curated library captures the essence of the 1980s through broadcast-quality archival footage — from everyday American scenes and emerging technology to major news events, political moments, regional overviews, and environmental tragedies. Ideal for documentaries, retrospectives, or projects needing authentic period visuals.

One-way dialogue with Alvin Ailey, founder of the dance theater • 1985 • 37 min • Color

Home computers, logging festival, People's Court behind scenes, Menudo, Louisiana bayou • 1980s • 21 min • Color

I Love NY logo, dance troupe, Monterey Aquarium, Amish lifestyle, CGI movie making • 1980s • 19 min • Color

Vintage newspapers, whistling contest, Earth from space, New Orleans, refugee Americanization • 1980s • 18 min • Color

Miami Herald, Pritikin Center, Polar Bear Club, Ed Koch, Children's Art Carnival • 1980s • 18 min • Color

Artificial insemination, Graceland, trained sea lions, Key West, Mount Rushmore • 1980s • 19 min • Color

Hot rod trucks, artificial ear, older cover girls, Pat Oliphant cartoonist, Beale Street blues • 1980s • 26 min • Color

1989 Apple IIGS in elementary/middle school classrooms • 1989 • 1:27 • Color

Arms control, Marilyn fable, Lech Walesa, Amish, new FBI • 1983 • 22 min • Color

U.S. Presidency 200 years, Hubble Telescope, Disney/MGM park opening • 1989 • 25 min • Color

Helicopter views: Fort Lauderdale, airport, freeways • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter: port, convention center, downtown Fort Lauderdale • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter aerials of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter views – Fort Lauderdale region • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter aerial footage of Fort Lauderdale area • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter views over Fort Lauderdale and vicinity • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter aerials – Broward County Florida • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Helicopter footage of Fort Lauderdale surroundings • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Business districts, office buildings, streets, commuter train, port • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Office buildings, convention center, performing arts center, museum • 1989 • 1:57 • Color

Business districts, office buildings, city streets, industrial parks • 1989 • 1:59 • Color

Tract homes, neighborhoods, dog park, lake homes, Blockbuster store • 1989 • 1:55 • Color

Elementary classrooms, teachers/students, middle school bus • 1989 • 1:27 • Color

Elementary teacher reading story to children • 1989 • 1:27 • Color

Boatlift arrivals Key West/Miami, personal stories under Castro • 1980 • 30 min • Color (English subtitles)

Mondale/Ferraro nomination scenes • 1984 • 8 min • Color

Prince William Sound grounding and 10.8M gallon spill • 1989 • 19 min • Color

Training film: weapons, equipment, hostage rescue demo • 1985 • 28 min • Color

Horseback tour + ritual dance demonstration • 1985 • 22 min • Color

Newly built school footage (site of 2018 shooting) • 1989 • 1:06 • Color

Tourist view: Chinese Theater, Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame • 1985 • 9 min • Color

Unedited civilian demonstrations and detentions at Vandenberg AFB • 1983 • 17 min • Color

L-1011, 727, DC-10 operations at Miami & Ft Lauderdale • 1980s/90s • 15 min • Color

Street scenes, musicians, plantation house, ferry boats • 1985 • 19 min • B&W

Auto manufacturing, black political power, PET scan, Alcatraz tourism • 1983 • 13 min • Color

Streetcars, houseboats, Golden Gate Bridge, skyline • 1985 • 20 min • Color

1980 explosive eruption changing 230 sq miles • 1980 • 15 min • Color

Monument from Tidal Basin, planes at National Airport • 1985 • 11 min • Color
More Historical Footage:
1910's - 1980's |
1990's - 2000's