Driving has not traditionally been viewed as a feminine occupation, a notion even more prevalent in early 20th-century Paris. It was during this time that history was made by the first women to obtain taxi licenses in the city. A 1908 report from The M…
Mourning dress is most commonly associated with the Victorian era, despite being a part of wardrobes for centuries prior. This period's prominence in the history of mourning attire is largely due to Queen Victoria, who famously wore mourning dress for forty…
Historically, dog-drawn carts were a common sight in Belgium and the Netherlands, employed for the transportation of milk, bread, and other goods. These vehicles, typically pulled by a pair or more of canines, were a practical and efficient mode of delivery…
Maxwell Street Market, an iconic and vibrant marketplace, played a important role in the cultural and economic landscape of Chicago from the late 19th century until its closure in 1994. Established by newly arrived Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, thi…
The term "banality of evil," introduced by political theorist Hannah Arendt, captures the disturbing notion that ordinary people can perpetrate horrific acts. The portraits of the Bergen-Belsen camp guards provide a haunting illustration of this concept. …
In 1933, King Kong captivated audiences with its groundbreaking special effects and compelling storytelling. This article takes you behind the scenes, revealing the backstory and the meticulous work and creativity involved in making this classic horror fi…
"Halbstarke" describes a vibrant subculture of postwar youth that burst onto the scene in 1950s Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These teenagers, often from working-class backgrounds, were known for their bold, rebellious behavior, making a statement in a…
The Futuramic Oldsmobile, introduced for the 1948 model year, marked a significant departure from the company's previous offerings. Defined by its sleek lines, fastback rear end, and prominent chrome accents, the model embodied a futuristic aesthetic that r…
The Azorean Hood, known in Portuguese as 'Capote e Capelo,' is a traditional garment from the Azores, worn until the 1930s. The origin of this distinctive hood is a topic of debate. Some historians suggest that Flemish settlers introduced it. During the …
The political "thaw" in the Soviet Union during the 1960s brought about a similar shift in photography. Official propaganda images took a backseat to vibrant, candid moments of real life. Vladimir Lagrange, who had a passion for photography from a young …
At a time when most children were running from the chaos, a small figure with a camera around his neck was running towards it. Lo Manh Hung, barely 12 years old amidst the turmoil of the Vietnam War, was Saigon's unlikeliest photographer – and possibly the …
During the early days of mugshots, the American frontier was teeming with outlaws and bandits, making it a prime location for capturing their images. This gallery of Wild West mugshots shows some of the most notorious criminals from the late 1800s and early…
The Eastern Front between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union witnessed some of the most barbaric and intense fighting of World War II. In August 1939, these two powerful nations struck a shocking nonaggression pact, agreeing to a ten-year period without conf…
The 1970s was a decade marked by vibrant cultural shifts, and weddings during this time were no exception. This era saw an eclectic mix of styles and influences, reflecting the broader societal changes of the time. Weddings in the 1970s were influenced b…
Flappers were a subculture of young Western women who emerged after World War I and became prominent throughout the 1920s. Known for their distinctive style, they wore knee-length skirts, bobbed their hair, and embraced jazz music. Flappers boldly chal…
Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator of Nazi Germany, is known for his dark legacy. Yet, few realize he also pursued a career in painting. During his Vienna years (1908–1913), he produced hundreds of artworks, hoping to support himself by selling paintings a…
Believe it or not, even gas stations in the Soviet Union could be architectural marvels. In the 1970s, Kyiv saw the construction of at least two such stations, boasting a truly unique design. This concept, borrowed from Japan, resulted in locally nicknamed …
For centuries, the term “computer” meant a person, often a woman, performing complex calculations by hand. By the late 19th century, these human computers became the unsung heroes of numerous scientific advancements. Alan Turing described the "human comp…
This collection of vintage photographs offers a snapshot into the everyday lives of Americans from the 1900s to the 1940s, showing moments that are both amusing and undeniably cool. From the bustling streets of urban centers to the simplicity of rural life,…
In the 1920s, Western fashion underwent a dramatic transformation. Women's clothing shifted away from the elaborate and restrictive styles of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Instead, fashion embraced looser, more comfortable garments that revealed more of…