The Special Atomic Demolition Munition (SADM) was a covert nuclear weapons program developed by the United States Navy in the mid-to-late 1960s. It utilized the W54 nuclear warhead, which was transported in an H-912 container and deployed by Special Operati…
The evolution of swimwear underwent a dramatic transformation in the 20th century as fashion trends rapidly shifted and the restrictive conventions of the Victorian era gave way to new ideals of freedom and functionality. Early in the century, one-piece swi…
During the 19th century, New York City solidified its position as America’s largest and most dynamic city, growing into a bustling metropolis that attracted influential figures and ambitious entrepreneurs. Notable personalities such as Washington Irving, Ph…
In 1945, the residents of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, were stunned to learn the true purpose of their work. Most of the 75,000 people who lived in this tightly controlled “Secret City” had no idea they were helping to process uranium for the atomic bomb until new…
These haunting before-and-after photographs reveal the devastating impact of lobotomy, a controversial procedure championed by a notorious physician, Walter Freeman. The practice, once heralded as a breakthrough in treating mental disorders, involved severi…
Pamela Anderson, a Canadian-American actress, model, and media personality, became an international sensation in the 1990s. She first gained widespread attention when she was selected as Playboy's Playmate of the Month in February 1990, a title that marked …
Dina Sanichar’s life was one of tragedy and isolation. Discovered as a young boy in the Indian jungle, he had been raised by wolves and struggled to adapt to human society. Efforts to teach him language and social behavior were unsuccessful, and he never le…
In late December 1979, the Soviet Union launched an invasion of Afghanistan, deploying troops to support the Afghan communist government in its conflict against anti-communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan War (1978–1992). This intervention marked the…
On March 5, 1982, the Soviet Venera-14 lander made history by successfully touching down on Venus, the second planet of the Solar System. Operating for an impressive 57 minutes, it managed to capture and transmit a remarkable color panorama of its surroundi…
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, hair salons were more than just places to perfect the era’s iconic bouffants and big hairstyles—they were a central part of social life. Even as these elaborate hairdos faded in popularity, giving way to more relaxed and m…
Christopher J. McCandless, known by his chosen pseudonym Alexander Supertramp, remains one of the most polarizing adventurers of the modern era. His journey into the Alaskan wilderness and tragic demise have inspired countless people to reexamine their …
Standing tall for centuries in the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan, the colossal Buddha statues were awe-inspiring monuments to the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and its role as a crossroads of ancient civilizations. Carved directly into the cliffs during t…
The phrase "Behind every great man, there’s an even better woman" carries an unsettling weight when applied to some of history’s darkest figures. The women who stood beside leaders like Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein, Pol Pot, and Francisco Franco were often…
For those who came of age after the 1980s, it might be hard to fully grasp the bold spirit of weddings during that decade. Everything about the celebration was larger than life—wedding dresses, cakes, and even guest lists reflected the era’s signature love …
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a fascinating transition in women’s fashion, blending the opulence of one decade with the emerging simplicity of the next. This period saw a shift in cultural attitudes that reflected directly in the clothes people wore…
In the 1960s and 1970s, long before he stepped onto the world stage, Barack Obama was a bright-eyed boy with an infectious smile and a big future ahead. These rare childhood photos capture his early years, showing sweet, everyday moments that highlight the …
In 1885, in Waco, Texas, a Brooklyn-born pharmacist named Charles Alderton crafted a unique soft drink that would later be known as "Dr Pepper." Designed to stand out with a one-of-a-kind flavor, this carbonated beverage quickly gained popularity, setting t…
In 1907, when Annette Kellerman appeared on Revere Beach in a one-piece swimsuit ending in shorts above her knees, her bold choice created an uproar. Her legs, visible and daring by the standards of the day, led to her arrest for indecency. Yet those same l…
These photographs capture post-war Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, from 1946 to 1950, revealing the lives of everyday Soviet citizens amidst the city's profound efforts to rebuild. Scenes range from laborers restoring St. Isaac’s Cathedral to a woman careful…
Go-go boots burst onto the fashion scene in the 1960s and 1970s, capturing the attention of a generation eager to embrace daring, new styles. Originally popularized in the mid-60s by French designer André Courrèges, these sleek, knee-high boots with low hee…