Rotating continuously in the Springfield History Theater to complement the special exhibition Declaration of Innovation, this documentary series uses advanced technology to colorize black-and-white archival footage showcasing key 20th-century events. Free with museum admission.
America in Color: Coming to America
For many immigrants, their first sight of the U.S. is the Statue of Liberty. The iconic structure promises sanctuary, hope, and a fresh start, but they soon learn that America’s arms are not always open. Colorized rare home movies and archival footage reveal the amazing stories of ordinary people who share the same dream. From Caribbean immigrants who settled in Harlem to Italian “radicals” shipped back home to celebrities such as Albert Einstein, see how America changed as immigrants brought new cultures from the margins to the mainstream. TVPG-V / 48 min
America in Color: Made in the USA
At the turn of the 20th century, 29 million Americans are working and 40% of them are farmers. Over the decades, factories expand like never before, two world wars speed up technological change, and by the 1950s, American workers have the highest wages and consumer power of any country in the world. This is the story of the men and women who built the American Dream, presented entirely in color through digitally remastered archival footage and home movies. TVPG-V / 48 min
America in Color is presented courtesy of the Smithsonian Channel.
