The nineteenth century was an era of high interest in visual culture. Printed materials were becoming more accessible and elaborate, optical toys and illusions were of keen interest, and by the end of the century, moving pictures added a new lens in which to see everyday life. But unlike printed materials that generally require certain amounts of literacy, early films became a pop culture equalizer for those who did not have access to reading the English language, such as the poor and foreign-born. Furthermore, film allowed and continues to allow viewers to gaze into the lives of others. This intrigue to see the lives of others made films about the excitement of urban areas very popular to those living in more rural areas. Moreover, the act of watching these films at nickolodeans created an environment in which people from varying social classes in cities would mingle.
The MEAP collection features several videos about the excitement of urban life that may have appealed to viewers all over the nation. Included are videos of the arrival of immigrants on Ellis Island, traffic in lower broadway, and a view of the Flatiron Building.