Photo/Footage/Document and Ephemera research and clearances is truly one of the most satisfying and engaging parts of NEAT. We welcome the emails that start with, “I saw this picture last month…in that magazine. You know which one I mean, right?” Playing detective to source obscure imagery always uncovers new photographers and arcane and interesting collections.

Once upon a time, we would comb through stacks in libraries and we do still get to do that occasionally with great enthusiasm, but more oft than not, we are on the interwebs. One of the best kept secrets around is the megasearch system PACASEARCH. With one keystroke a researcher can get search results from dozens of  sources. Its invaluable. While working on an indie Zombie film, we got to search through the archives at UNM and found this archival photo collection of Route 66.

A recent favorite is Liam’s Pictures from Old Books. A collector of old books in the Public Domain, Liam has scanned and made available some wonderful woodcuts and engravings. We obtained permissions from him for usage of the image here. If you do find something useful on his site or any of the other Public Domain sites out there, please do consider a donation to keep these valuable sites going.