Heart of the Nation: DC 1935

This 1935 documentary, Heart of the Nation, filmed in black-and-white 16mm with explanatory narration, showcases Washington, D.C. through aerials and street-level scenes. An excellent resource for New Deal-era imagery, it captures the Capitol, monuments, and bustling streets, reflecting Depression-era renewal under Roosevelt’s policies. From federal buildings to public works, the film frames D.C. as the nation’s pulsing core, blending grandeur with grit. A pre-war portrait, it highlights 1930s urban life and government ambition amid economic recovery.