On January 1, 2026, creative works from 1930 and sound recordings from 1925 entered the public domain in the United States. 1930 ushered in a new decade and a world teetering between mystery and modernity. It was a year of detectives, jazz, speakeasies, and iconic characters stepping onto the cultural stage—many of whom have been locked behind copyright for nearly a century.

1. Explore the Public Domain

Now that materials have moved into the public domain, explore the newly opened content at the Internet Archive: https://blog.archive.org/2026/01/01/welcome-to-the-public-domain-in-2026/

Each year, Duke Law’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain publishes a much-anticipated list of cultural treasures entering the public domain, and the Class of 2026 is packed with icons: Dizzy Dishes, marking the first appearance of Betty Boop; Disney’s famous bloodhound debuts as Rover (later known as Pluto); the Academy Award–winning Best Picture All Quiet on the Western Front becomes free to share; beloved classics like The Little Engine That Could join the celebration; timeless musical compositions including “Georgia on My Mind,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me” are opened up for reimagination; and the dazzling Technicolor revue King of Jazz takes its place in the commons. Explore the full list in Duke’s annual post: https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/publicdomainday/2026/

Watch the video from Duke Law:

2. Creators: Enter the Public Domain Film Remix Contest

We invite filmmakers and artists of all skill levels to celebrate the public domain by creating and uploading 2–3 minute short films to the Internet Archive! Top entries will be awarded prizes up to $1,500. Contest details.

3. Virtual Celebration: January 21st @ 10am PT

This year, we follow The Case of the Disappearing Copyright as iconic detectives and stories return to the public domain. Nancy Drew debuts with her first four mysteries, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple appears in The Murder at the Vicarage, and the full book version of The Maltese Falcon, featuring Sam Spade, becomes free for new adventures. Join us on January 21 as we crack open these newly liberated works and celebrate the enduring power of creativity, curiosity, and culture with an incredible lineup of academics, librarians, musicians, artists, and advocates. Register now!

4. In-Person Celebration: January 21st @ 6pm PT at the Internet Archive

Join us at the Internet Archive for a glamorous night of film, fun, and public domain magic as we premiere the winning films and honorable mentions from this year’s Public Domain Film Remix Contest. Come toast the artists who turned these newly liberated works into brand-new cinema, and celebrate the boundless possibilities that open up when culture reenters the commons. Register now!