In the 1930s, the Department of the Interior filmed the nation’s park system in a moment of dynamic growth, capturing everything from the Civilian Conservation Corps blazing trails in Yosemite to a survey of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. This selection of celluloid from the National Archives features the towering Redwoods and exotic flora of Land of the Giants (1935), the purple high country vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains (1936), New Mexico’s mysterious drifting White Sands (1938), and more. Travel back in time to visit America’s parks as they stood eighty years ago!

 

Presented in partnership with the National Archives.

From the Vaults: The National Park Service on Film

1930 US 50 min
Festival Year: 2016
Types: Documentary
Topic: Parks and Protected Areas