What’s New in the National Archives Catalog: WWI Photographs

The National Archives recently embarked upon a large scale digitization project, focused on photographic and moving image records related to World War I and World War II. These public domain records are being digitized through a gift to the National Archives Trust Fund with the goal of making them more accessible for everyone to use, from teachers and local community groups, to museums and filmmakers.

Recently digitized and now available in our online catalog is a fascinating series of World War I photographs, the American Unofficial Collection of World War I Photographs, 1917-1918.

This series contains photographs obtained from the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Federal and State government agencies, as well as private sources, such as the American Red Cross and the Central News and Photo Service. The photos depict the unity of the nation and how overwhelming the war effort was, including pictures of public gatherings, peace demonstrations, parades, and activities of libraries, hospitals and first aid stations.

Some highlights include:

Albert Sterner painting war posters for the Government. National Archives Identifier 533471
Albert Sterner painting war posters for the government

Returning from a U-Boat Scouting Party. National Archives Identifier 533474
Returning from a U-Boat Scouting Party.

African-American regiment arrives home from France. New York’s famous 369th (old 15th) Infantry troops arrive in Hoboken, NJ. National Archives Identifier 533528
African-American regiment arrives home from France

Airplanes-Radio equipment- This is what an airman wears when he used the wireless telephone. National Archives Identifier 17341083
Airplanes-Radio equipment- This is what an airman wears when he used the wireless telephone.

Parade of Famous 369th Infantry on Fifth Avenue New York City. Colonel “Bill” Hayward’s famous “Hell Fighters” of the 369th Infantry march by crowds at the New York Public Library 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. National Archives Identifier 533495
Parade of Famous 369th Infantry on Fifth Avenue New York City

 

2 thoughts on “What’s New in the National Archives Catalog: WWI Photographs

  1. Thank you. My grandfather was a Marine in World War I. He lived with us and had a flagpole in the middle of the front lawn. Every morning, rise and shine, we “presented the flag” – from early childhood until I was a teenager! He loved the United States in everything he said and talked about – we all do!

  2. Thank you for doing this! Are you seeking additional images? I would like to share what I have about my great-uncle who was killed at the battle of Argonne-Meuse at Dannevoux Ridge in WW I. Various photographs, correspondence, and his casket flag (which dates from 1921 — it took three years to repatriate his body). He should not be forgotten.

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