A resource with boundless enthusiasm for documenting the far historical reaches of American culture. You can download podcasts, webcasts, research catalogues and generally nose around in some great imagery and documentation, and use it as a springboard for further searches. Their webpage led me to a feature on the Origins of American Animation – a quick search online for the Origins will take you to free content on iTunes with classics like Fun in a Bakery Shop and Krazy Kat Goes A-Wooing.