Vintage Stock Footage

1938 Reading Pennsylvania

The atmosphere in Pennsylvania in 1938 was one of unyielding spirit, ingenuity, and perseverance, as its communities rose to face the trials and tribulations brought forth by the Great Depression. An epicenter for American industry, the state saw its foundational sectors struggle; the once mighty pillars of steel production, coal extraction, and manufacturing suffered high jobless rates and declining output.

Pennsylvania19381930s24 clips shown

Watch the 1938 Pennsylvania preview

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Multiple Cars With Senseless Cheese House Marked On

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Multiple Cars With Senseless Cheese House Marked On

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Leisure Time For Professional Men In The s

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Leisure Time For Professional Men In The s

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Fraternizing In A Place Surrounded By Trees

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Fraternizing In A Place Surrounded By Trees

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Old Footage Of Opening Of Building Bystanders Are

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Old Footage Of Opening Of Building Bystanders Are

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Men Dressed In Suits And Ties Drink Smoke Cigarettes

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Men Dressed In Suits And Ties Drink Smoke Cigarettes

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Experience A Gala Of Time With Loved Ones At Hotel

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Experience A Gala Of Time With Loved Ones At Hotel

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Old Film Black And White Nurses Walking Smiling

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Old Film Black And White Nurses Walking Smiling

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Gathered Around For An Outdoor BBQ

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Gathered Around For An Outdoor BBQ

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Man Wearing White Shirt Guzzles Down Beverage From

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Man Wearing White Shirt Guzzles Down Beverage From

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Crowd Walks Through Grassy Path Crossing Bridge Man

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Crowd Walks Through Grassy Path Crossing Bridge Man

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Gathered At Wooden Tables Laden With Food On A

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Gathered At Wooden Tables Laden With Food On A

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Women In A Hurry Traditional Roles And Showing Great

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Women In A Hurry Traditional Roles And Showing Great

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Two Nurses Holding Coats Get Off A White Car With

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Two Nurses Holding Coats Get Off A White Car With

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): A Large Group Of Ladies Are Coming Out Of A Hotel

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): A Large Group Of Ladies Are Coming Out Of A Hotel

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Several White Cars Driving On Road Past People And

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Several White Cars Driving On Road Past People And

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Black And White Footage Of A Group Of Female Nurses

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Black And White Footage Of A Group Of Female Nurses

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Gathering Man Walks Up

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): People Gathering Man Walks Up

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Two Adult Men And A Child Who Greets The Camera

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Two Adult Men And A Child Who Greets The Camera

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): View Of White Hotel Berkshire Sign On A Clear Day

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): View Of White Hotel Berkshire Sign On A Clear Day

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Two Women Exit An Old Car Bringing Linens

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Two Women Exit An Old Car Bringing Linens

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Men And Women Gathering Outdoors Near Cars And And A

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Men And Women Gathering Outdoors Near Cars And And A

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Small Crowd Of Pope Gathers Near Senseless And Sons

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Small Crowd Of Pope Gathers Near Senseless And Sons

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Group Of People Men And Women Having A Meal Or A

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Group Of People Men And Women Having A Meal Or A

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Fun Moments During The Community Gathering

Reading Pennsylvania (1938): Fun Moments During The Community Gathering

Frequently asked questions

What kind of 1938 Pennsylvania footage is available?

Stockfilm preserves authentic 1938 Pennsylvania home movies — 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm reels restored to 4K. Expect candid daily life, streetscapes, travel, family events, and period-accurate fashion and vehicles, all shot on real film stock from the era.

What format was 1938 Pennsylvania footage shot on?

Most 1930s home movies were captured on 8mm Standard, 16mm, or — by the late 1960s — Super 8 film. We scan original reels at 4K and color-correct each clip while preserving authentic film grain.

Can I license 1938 Pennsylvania stock footage commercially?

Yes. The clips shown on this page are available for royalty-free direct licensing from Stockfilm for film, documentary, advertising, and online use.

Where can I download 1938 Pennsylvania archival footage?

Open a clip from the collection above, choose License Direct, and complete checkout to receive the licensed master download from Stockfilm.