This film reflects on the American way of life from 1914-1921, presenting a cross-sectional view of people and progress, and picturing the daily activities, dress, and habits of people as they lived fifty years ago. Footage includes shots of Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Warren G. Harding, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.
In November of 1963 in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., William Clay Ford presented to the National Archives 1.8 million feet of historical footage created by Ford Motor Company. For the occasion of the donation, the Archives premiered Mirror of America, a film that highlighted the collection and Henry Ford’s interest in moving pictures. The film serves as an introduction to the films and also advertises the collection as open for research.
