Collection Overview
America at Work, America at Leisure presents motion pictures that document the work and leisure activities of Americans at the turn of the century. Included are films that document work in manufacturing plants, logging facilities and stockyards; films that document people visiting amusement parks, country fairs and expositions; as well as films that document children at school and people participating in sporting events. Of special interest are films showing the activities of the United States Postal Service in 1903.
Special Features
These online exhibits provide context and additional information about this collection.
Historical Eras
These historical era(s) are best represented in the collection although they may not be all-encompassing.
- Development of the Industrial United States, 1876-1915
- Emergence of Modern America, 1890-1930
Related Collections and Exhibits
These collections and exhibits contain thematically-related primary and secondary sources. Also browse the Collection Finder for more related material on the American Memory Web site.
- American Life Histories, 1936-1940
- Great Earthquake and Fire: San Francisco, 1897-1916
- Inside an American Factory: Westinghouse Works, 1904
- Inventing Entertainment: The Edison Companies
- Life of a City: New York, 1898-1906
- Touring Turn of the Century America, 1880-1920
Other Resources
Recommended additional sources of information.
Search Tips
Specific guidance for searching this collection.
To find items in this collection, search by Keyword or browse by Title or Subject For help with search strategies, see Finding Items in American Memory.
Last Updated: 06/12/2009