In the midst of the American Civil War, a turbulent period that left an indelible mark on the nation, the practice of soldiers and fighters having their portraits taken in studios emerged as a poignant intersection of history and art. These studio portraits…
The Miss America beauty pageant, a cherished American tradition, has been a symbol of grace, talent, and beauty for nearly a century. Since its inception in the early 1920s, this iconic pageant has not only celebrated the accomplishments and charisma of you…
In American history, the term "whipping" brings to mind a harsh and haunting punishment from the past. It was a brutal practice that left physical and emotional scars on countless people. Whipping is the act of beating the human body with special implements…
Seattle's history is a fascinating journey that takes us back to the 1870s, a pivotal period in the city's development. In this article, we'll explore what Seattle was like during this decade through the lens of historical photographs. These images offer an…
In the early 20th century, a captivating yet heart-wrenching story unfolded, centered around two albino African-American brothers, George and Willie Muse. Their lives took a dramatic turn when they were plucked from a Virginia farm and thrust into the brigh…
In the quiet frames of the past, a kaleidoscope of ordinary moments unravels, revealing a vivid panorama of life in 1940s America. These snapshots brought to life through the stunning hues of Kodachrome film, transport us to a time when the country was pois…
In the year 1927, a new chapter was written in the history of human flight. In a time when aviation was still a fledgling endeavor, Charles Lindbergh dared to imagine and achieve what had long eluded even the most intrepid pilots. Setting off from Roosevelt…
As you cruise along the busy streets of any major American city, you can't miss the countless signs of fast-food joints that decorate the skyline. But before these drive-thrus became a common sight at every highway stop, these fast-food places started out l…
In the post-war years, Los Angeles experienced a flourishing car culture, accompanied by a surge in innovations tailored to an automobile-centered way of life. Southern California particularly became synonymous with drive-thru restaurants, drive-in eateries…
The iconic photograph known as "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" captures a moment frozen in time, taken on September 20, 1932. In this black-and-white image, eleven intrepid ironworkers find themselves seated upon a steel beam, soaring 850 feet (260 meters) ab…
Step into a time machine through a series of vivid Kodachrome photographs that offer an enthralling glimpse into the bygone streets of Manhattan during the early 1940s. These colorful snapshots serve as portals to a city pulsating with life, painting a capt…
In 1946, a group of Russian children from the Vladimir Lenin All-Union Pioneer Organization (a Soviet scouting group) presented a carved wooden replica of the Great Seal of the United States to Averell Harriman, the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union. The …
In an era marked by industrialization, urbanization, and shifting consumer habits, small family-owned stores held a distinct place in the retail landscape. These establishments, often run by local entrepreneurs and passed down through generations, offered p…
In the era before digital photography and the convenience of instant uploads, there existed a charming and innovative solution for getting your precious memories developed – Fotomat. During the 1980s, these drive-through photo processing booths dotted the A…
In the history of American education, one subject has played a pivotal role in equipping students with essential skills for the demands of the modern world: typing. The rise of typing classes in US high schools is a captivating chapter in the historical lan…
Abraham Lincoln, widely revered as one of the greatest leaders in American history, left an indelible mark on the nation during his tenure as the 16th President of the United States. Serving as the first president to be extensively photographed, L…
Gas stations have long been a familiar sight on American roadways, serving as crucial pit stops for motorists on their journeys. However, the gas stations we encounter today bear little resemblance to their early counterparts from the 1920s and 1940s. In…
The Great Depression, a somber epoch in American history, is often characterized by the stark imagery of hardship. Traditionally, these images have been captured in grainy black and white, offering a glimpse into an era defined by Hoovervilles, snaking unem…
Amid the chaos and violence of the Vietnam War, American soldiers adorned their helmets with intricate and often striking artwork. These helmet designs served as a means of personal expression, conveying messages of patriotism, camaraderie, and protest.…
The origins of some of the world's most iconic companies are often shrouded in myth and legend, with stories of innovation, perseverance, and luck. But what did these companies really look like in their early days? Thanks to the power of photography, we…