Knowledge Base

Many historical and current advertisements can be found free online. Below are some of the resources available though Stanford and other institutions.

Historical Ads

• J Walter Thomson Advertising America
  • A collection of print ads form 1900 to 2000 from one of the biggest and oldest advertisement agency in various industries and categories.
• Ad*Access
  • Database of over 7,000 historical advertisement printed between 1911 and 1955 in American and Canadian newspapers and magazines from Duke University.
• American Consumer Culture
  • A database of marketing and advertising materials including ads images in three parts: J. Walters Thomson. Market Research and American Business (1935-1965), Trade Catalogues and the American Home (from early 19th century through the 20th century.).

Specialized Ads

• Meta Ad Library
  • Ads on FaceBook and Instagram.
• Superbowl Ads (print)
• Popular Medicine in America, 1800-1900
  • Contains books, trade cards, pamphlets, posters, and advertisements for medical information and self treatments marketed toward laypersons in the United States in the 19th century.
• GlobalData Medical – see GlobalData Medical access help
  • Includes Global Ads Database with multimedia advertisements for medical devices.
• GlobalData Power – see GlobalData Power access help
  • Includes Global Ads section with multimedia advertisements for power.

Video Ads

• iSpot.tv
  • Video ads in multiple industries.
• AdViews
  • A digital Archive of vintage television commercials at Duke University Libraries.
• SplendAd
  • Database of historical television commercials.

Additional Resources

Good compilations of resources on print ads from other academic institutions

• Historical Advertisements from Walsh University
• Advertisements & Commercials from Fashion Institute of Technology