Q. How do I find historical advertisements?

The Library has a series of books called All American Ads located on the 3rd floor.  They cover American advertisements from the 1900's to the 1980's.   Call number 741.670973  .... 

• Check the library catalog for individual call numbers for the years you're  interested in.
• Type "all american ads" in the title field for a list of all the years we have. 

Web Resources

• Ad*access (1911-1955) (courtesy of Duke University

• AdViews: A Digital Archive of Vintage Television Commercials (1950s to 1980s) (courtesy of Duke University)

• American Consumer Culture: Market Research and American Business, 1935-1965

• Emergence of Advertising in America: 1850-1920 (courtesy of Duke University)

• The Advertising Archives (mid 1800s to present) - focus on Europe and U.S.

In Internet Archive, use keyword searches such as: old time radio advertisements, classic commercials, drive-in movie ads.

More Info / Source(s)

• Advertising Campaigns Research Guide

If you need further assistance, please Ask Us!