During its first season, the tour hosted public screenings of a broad variety of classic American films in eight cities across the country. Each year, the Board, members of the public, and the Librarian of Congress select up to 25 films for inclusion on the Registry. Created in 1988, the National Film Preservation Board recognizes the vital contribution of film to the American heritage. A Study of the Current State of American Film Preservation. More than half of all American films made before 1951 are lost forever.
Film is a fragile medium, and motion pictures, both old and new, face deterioration problems.
The majority of American films do not receive this care and are in critical need of preservation. The National Film Registry Tour pays tribute to American film making and promotes public awareness of the need to protect and preserve America's film heritage. Motion pictures provide an unparalleled record of American life and culture. If we can preserve these films, researchers will have the sights and sounds that flesh out the written record of great events and everyday life. I urge my colleagues to join me in applauding the efforts of the Library of Congress, the Bishop Museum Film Archives, the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House, the Museum of Modern Art Department of Film and Video, the UCLA Film and Television Archive, and all others involved in this important work.