Vintage Stock Footage
1939 New York
If you could step back in time to 1939 and explore New York City, you would be entering a world steeped in a curious and captivating combination of both grit and glamor. This vibrant, resilient metropolis, at that point, was on the cusp of turning a corner from the residual gloom of the Great Depression to embracing a spirit of hope and innovation. In 1939, a sense of optimism and anticipation filled the air in the bustling streets lined with skyscrapers and historical landmarks.
Watch the 1939 New York preview
New York USA (1939): Ymca Skyline And Large Building In The Distance
New York USA (1939): Women Prepares Food Mix At City Factory
New York USA (1939): Man Sitting At His Desk In Office With Lots Of Papers On Desk
New York USA (1939): Happy Little Girl In Black And White Smiling And Laughing
New York USA (1939): Elephant Reacting To The Spectators By Moving Trunk Up And
New York USA (1939): Boy On Swing Next To Stairs And Girl With Curly Hair Playing
New York USA (1939): Kids Riding Horses In Carnival The Carnival Rides
New York USA (1939): Black And White Video Of People Walking Down A Path With
New York USA (1939): Windy Day In Old Car
New York USA (1939): Children Dressed Up Fancy In Black And White
New York USA (1939): Footage Following An Event Or Service With Nicely Dressed
New York (1939): Family Gathered Around And Chat
New York USA (1939): Coworkers In An Office Setting Lady On The Telephone Men In
New York (1939): Airplane Flying Daytime Sky Clouds Woman House Outside Pothers
New York USA (1939): A Little Girl Visiting Someone With Mom And A Little Girl In
New York USA (1939): The Boy Was Trying To Cycling In The Street
New York USA (1939): Girl With Dark Hair Reading A Book Sitting Next To A Boy On A
New York USA (1939): Smiling Child Enjoying Swing While Two Other Children Enjoy A
New York USA (1939): Blurred Video Version Of Siblings Reading Together In The
New York USA (1939): The Baby Was So Pleasant With Smiling As Playing With Friends
New York USA (1939): Boy Reacting To Something Funny With A Belly Laugh
New York USA (1939): Girl Sitting On Couch Reading A Book Out Loud Boy Comes To
New York USA (1939): Black And White Video Of A Close Up Shot Of A Globe And A
New York (1939): Mir And Grandmother Sit Opposite Each Other Eating At Table Baby
Frequently asked questions
What kind of 1939 New York footage is available?
Stockfilm preserves authentic 1939 New York 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 1939 New York 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 1939 New York 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 1939 New York archival footage?
Open a clip from the collection above, choose License Direct, and complete checkout to receive the licensed master download from Stockfilm.