In an extraordinary discovery, a piece of American film history believed to be lost forever has resurfaced. A silent film from 1915, The Heart of Lincoln, thought to be gone for over a century, was found on Long Island by a summer intern going through old film reels. This remarkable find sheds new light on the early days of cinema and the ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy.
Discovery of a Long-Lost Treasure
The 16-millimeter film was discovered in 2024 at Lauro’s Historic Films Archive in Greenport, New York. Dan Martin, a film preservation student and summer intern, stumbled upon the film while sorting through boxes of old reels donated to the archive. The film had been sitting untouched for decades among rusty canisters lining the office walls of archive owner Joe Lauro.
“For someone going to school for film preservation, this is about the most rewarding outcome you can have sifting through those old film cans,” said Martin.
When Martin realized the significance of his find, he rushed to inform Lauro, who immediately recognized the film’s historical value.
The Significance of The Heart of Lincoln
The Heart of Lincoln is a silent film that portrays the life of President Abraham Lincoln and American society during the Civil War. Directed and starred in by Francis Ford, the older brother of iconic Hollywood filmmaker John Ford, the film holds special significance. John Ford, who later won a record four Academy Awards for Best Director, also made his own film about Lincoln years after his brother’s project.
This film was listed by the Library of Congress among 7,000 silent movies believed to be lost forever. The discovery of The Heart of Lincoln fills an important gap in cinematic history, offering a rare glimpse into early 20th-century filmmaking.
Restoring and Preserving the Film
Film archivist Eliot Kissileff played a crucial role in ensuring the film’s survival. He carefully cleaned and digitized the movie to prevent it from being lost again. Remarkably, despite its age, the film was in excellent condition, likely due to the sealed film cans that protected it from decay over the years.
“I guess it was just lucky the cans were sealed and had not decayed,” said Kissileff.
Joe Lauro, who owns the archive, plans to restore the film further and add a musical score to enhance its appeal for modern audiences. This restoration will allow people today to experience a unique piece of cinematic history that had been hidden for over a century.
The Importance of Film Preservation
The discovery of The Heart of Lincoln highlights the fragile nature of early cinema. It’s estimated that around 70% of silent films have been lost due to neglect, decay, and the lack of proper archival practices in the early days of filmmaking. This film serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of film preservation efforts.
“As with silent films, probably 70% of them are gone,” said Lauro. “It’s a piece of the puzzle that’s now been found—the puzzle of lost American cinema.”
For Dan Martin, the discovery was not just the highlight of his internship but a testament to the value of every small task in the field of archival work.
“It was very rewarding to end my internship on this high note,” Martin shared. “A film like this provides evidence that film history is still being written.”
The rediscovery of The Heart of Lincoln is more than just an exciting find—it’s a reminder of how much of our cultural heritage remains hidden, waiting to be uncovered. Thanks to the dedication of film archivists and enthusiasts like Dan Martin, lost treasures of the past can be brought back to life, offering new generations a chance to connect with history through the magic of cinema.
