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…
The saloons of the Wild West evoke images of gunfights, heavy drinking, and dangerous outlaws. These remarkable photographs provide tangible evidence that the Old West watering holes truly lived up to their notorious historical reputation. Captured in th…
These early color photographs provide a unique glimpse into the past. With their vivid hues and striking detail, they allow us to experience history in a way that black and white photographs cannot. The history of color photography dates back to the mid…
This collection of hand-tinted lantern slides depicts popular tourist destinations in Norway around the turn of the 19th century. The collection consists of slides produced by at least two British photographers – professional photographer Samuel J. Beck…
These photographs were taken in 1940 by John Topham while he was visiting the base of the Royal Artillery Coastal Defence Battery at Shornemead Fort, near Gravesend, in Kent. The intention had been to photograph the British troops rehearsing in drag for the…
It’s difficult to convey to a modern audience the emotional impact of the stock market’s gyrations in the 1980s, or indeed in any distant decade because the most popular measures of market value have grown so much in the intervening years. For example, …
From the earliest recognition that a more deadly form of influenza was spreading quickly in fall 1918, US public health authorities recommended masks for doctors, nurses, and anyone taking care of influenza patients. Newspapers provided instructions on …
The history of women's workwear tells a unique story about the events of the twentieth century and the changing role of women. The amount of control that women have had over their clothes depended largely on what type of job she had. In domestic service…
The Second World War changed the United States for women, and women in turn transformed their nation. Over three hundred fifty thousand women volunteered for military service, while twenty times as many stepped into civilian jobs, including positions pr…
Thirty vivid, oversize black-and-white photos from the Library of Congress show Detroit in the 1940s. Full-screen scenes show vintage vehicles, fashions, hairstyles, the Crowley-Milner department store, Cunningham's drugs, a streetcar, Chrysler's tank asse…
Until the end of the 1930s, the best women’s stockings were made from silk. This changed in the United States when DuPont began manufacturing nylon in 1939. Nylon stockings went on limited sale in October of that year followed by a national launch at selec…
This is Second Chechen War, shot from Kirovo, near Grozny. They are not marines, just motorized infantry. Regarding the helmet, the German Nazi helmet was seen as a talisman, as a good omen sign. These soldiers' drab-olive gear and black beanies look ju…
The 2000s was a decade that left behind some of the most memorable—and sometimes questionable—fashion moments in recent history. It was an era defined by experimentation, blending old and new, and embracing bold statements that reflected the rapid globaliza…
Studio portraits of couples in the 1970s capture a unique mix of intimacy, style, and playful energy. Unlike the stiff, formal poses of previous decades, these photos often show couples relaxed and comfortable, bringing a sense of life and personality to th…
Some images don’t just capture a moment—they freeze an entire story in time. One black-and-white photograph from 1948 does just that: a man, dressed in a suit, is on his knees outside a Chicago divorce court, pleading with his fur-clad wife for forgiveness. …
Fashion has always played a central role in holiday celebrations, from timeless little black dresses to whimsical, tacky sweaters and the excitement of shopping for new festive outfits. Yet some Christmas fashion trends stand out as especially curious—like …
The quintessential image of wartime Saigon often centers on the figure of the bar girl: a young Vietnamese woman, dressed to captivate in a halter top and mini-skirt, offering cigarettes, liquor, or even her company to passing American GIs, all in broken Engli…
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…
As modern technology rapidly advances, jobs that once seemed like the stuff of science fiction are now becoming everyday realities. However, as new opportunities emerge, many roles that were once essential have faded into history. This list explores …
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…