The
Jim Forsher Collection
with Science Photo Library
A Lifetime of Hollywood History
Science Photo Library is proud to present a new collaboration with Jim Forsher. This remarkable collection, curated over decades by producer and professor Jim Forsher, offers a rare and candid look into the history of the 20th century. For the first time in 25 years, this private treasure trove of rare footage is available to a global audience.
Jim Forsher has cultivated a unique relationship with pop culture and American history, starting when his mother became the personal secretary to Elvis Presley and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
That early, intimate view of a cultural phenomenon sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling that has taken him from a documentary producer for major television networks to a respected university professor.
This incredible collection is the culmination of that journey, and for the first time in 25 years, it is now available to the public through a new collaboration with Science Photo Library.
SEE THE
COLLECTION
From the Vaults to the Web
Ben Jones, SPL’s Head of Motion, describes the collection as both “eye-opening and fascinating.” The sheer breadth of the archive is what makes it so unique. It’s filled with footage of iconic pioneers like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart. It also documents some of the most significant events of the era, from the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake to the Hindenburg and Lusitania disasters.
Beyond the major headlines, the collection is rich with unexpected finds. As Ben notes, it includes “quirky, surprising and candid shots” that offer a more personal glimpse into the past. From groundbreaking inventions to iconic historical moments and everything in between, this footage captures the spirit of a century defined by change and discovery.
Jim Forsher
Jim Forsher’s career is a testament to his passion for documenting American history and culture. He went on to produce documentaries for major networks like the Discovery Channel and A&E.
As a university professor, he used his hands-on experience to teach a new generation of filmmakers about the power of archival footage. His work has focused on critical topics such as censorship and the fight for racial equality in film, themes that resonate throughout his collection.
A Growing Collection
We are actively working with Jim to digitize his extensive 16mm film collection to 4K resolution. While the online collection is growing every day, his vast archive of tapes and films is also available for scanning on demand, ensuring you have access to the highest quality footage for your projects.
We are excited to share the first highlights from this vast collection on our dedicated page. We look forward to bringing much more of this archive online in the coming months and years.