1. Home
  2. Library Collections
  3. Audiovisual Materials Collection
  4. The Inauguration of Our 33rd President – Harry S. Truman

Motion Picture MP76-37

The Inauguration of Our 33rd President – Harry S. Truman

Administrative Information

Section: Reel 1
Footage: 1104 feet
Duration: 30 minutes 40 seconds
Section: Reel 2
Footage: 1098 feet
Duration: 30 minutes 30 seconds
Section: Reel 3
Footage: 621 feet
Duration: 17 minutes 15 seconds
Sound
sound
Color
Black & White
Produced by
T.V. “pool” coverage
Restrictions
Undetermined
Description

Live television coverage of the 1949 inauguration, including all of President Truman's inaugural address. This was the first presidential inauguration to be televised.

Date(s)
January 20, 1949
Available Format(s)
Video Tape
DVD

SD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are available for $20, and HD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are $50. Copies of motion pictures not already digitized will incur additional costs.

This item does not circulate but reproductions may be purchased.

To request a copy of this item, please contact truman.reference@nara.gov​​​​​​​

Please note that this video belongs to a different video collection than the items available to be borrowed by teachers, from our Education Department.

Moving Image Type
Motion Picture

Shot List

  • Reel 1
0:45   Scene down Pennsylvania Avenue awaiting parade and Capitol Building.
2:45   Inaugural stand scenes as it fills up.
14:05   Bess, Margaret and Mrs. Truitt arrive.
16:10   Arrival of Truman and Barkley.
18:00   Opening of ceremonies (prayer and song, etc.).
25:00   Oath by Alben Barkley.
26:00   Prayer.
  • Reel 2
0:00   Truman takes oath.
1:00   Inaugural address.
22:00   Benediction.
23:30   Playing of National Anthem.
27:15   Procession leaving platform.
28:50   End.
  • Reel 3
0:00   Scenes of the crowd and start of the parade.
1:20   Parade begins.
2:00   Parade scenes including Truman and Barkley.
17:15   Standing in reviewing stand.