NASM Film Archives

The Film Archives of the National Air and Space Museum has catalogued a collection of nearly 17,000 films and videotapes. This collection documents the history of aerospace flight from the Wright Brothers to the Space Shuttle.

FILM RESEARCH
Researchers wishing to make use of the Film Archives should send a written request to the NASM Archives Reference Desk (mark your request Attn: Film Archives). Your request should specify what topics you are looking for-- aircraft types, spacecraft types, specific people, places, or dates. Topics that cannot be researched very well include subjective terms ("fleecy clouds") and very broad subjects (early airplanes, biplanes, space, etc.) Specific objective terms (meteorology, Fokker Dr I, Curtiss Condor, Project Gemini) work very well. In addition, describe how you intend to use the film-a script or project outline is acceptable.

OBTAINING REPRODUCTIONS
Because many of these films are one-of-a-kind, the Museum cannot lend or rent films from the collection. The Museum can arrange to have films or tapes copied at the expense of the researcher. Reproduction work will start within 72 hours after the NASM Film Archives receives a formal order. Turnaround time is 25 working days (about 5 weeks) from the time the NASM Film Archives receives your order. The NASM Film Archives will send an invoice for payment.

STOCK FOOTAGE AGREEMENT
The National Air and Space Museum cannot assure copyright clearances for all of the films in its collection. Therefore, the NASM Film Archives will send a Stock Footage Agreement (PDF format, 22k, requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader)form to all researchers. You must sign this form and return it to the NASM Film Archives before any copies will be released to you.

COPY OF FINISHED PRODUCT
If you will be using the film in a broadcast production or any other distributed media, the NASM Film Archives requires a copy of your finished product.

HIGHLIGHTED COLLECTION
We Saw It Happen
A 1953 documentary from United Aircraft celebrating the 50th anniversary of flight. The NASM Film Archives includes a copy of the finished film along with interview and stock footage out takes.

Interviewees include: