January 28, 1986, was an exceptionally cold day in Florida, where freezing weather is rare. The beaches near the Kennedy Space Center were crowded with people who had come to watch the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, which had been postponed on sev…
In 1969, more than 400,000 people descended on Bethel, New York, headed to a dairy farm owned by Max and Miriam Yasgur, where the Woodstock Music & Art Fair was being held. The epic event became synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 196…
Elvis Presley, the “undisputed King of Rock and Roll”, began his career in 1954 and became a national sensation in 1956 with the release of “Heartbreak Hotel.” He went on to captivate audiences with his unique musical style, provocative hip gyrations, a…
On April 9, 1940, Germany simultaneously invaded Norway and occupied Denmark, and the war began in earnest. On May 10, German forces swept through Belgium and the Netherlands in what became known as “blitzkrieg,” or lightning war. Three days later, Hitl…
Cuba's reputation as an exotic and permissive playground came to light in the 1920s, when the country became a favorite destination for robber barons and bohemians. Hotels, restaurants, night clubs, golf clubs and casinos sprung up in Havana catering to…
The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy fractured the nation just two months after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and five years after his brother John F. Kennedy was killed. But RFK’s funeral, particularly the train that took his body from…
These photographs, taken for LIFE magazine in the fall of 1969, explored the "freaky new freedoms" of fashion seen on high school students across the United States. Some of the women show the strong influence of the “hippie” movement—long hair, beads, f…
The decisive year was 1968. In the early morning of 30 January, Vietcong forces launched the Tet Offensive, named for the Vietnamese holiday then being observed. In coordinated attacks throughout South Vietnam, the Vietcong assaulted major urban areas a…
These vintage photographs capture a timeless energy and diversity that is characteristic of the sleepless streets of New York City. The recently discovered antique portraits showcase the city in the midst of the 1950s, as seen through the Rolleiflex len…
Long before paint was brushed on chapel ceilings or monuments carved in stone, humans were already shaping the walls of the earth into extraordinary art. Hidden beneath the limestone hills of the Dordogne lies one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in…
Emerging at the dawn of the 20th century, Art Deco captured a world in transition — one balancing tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and technology. Born in Paris in the 1910s, just before World War I, this new aesthetic quickly became a symbol of progr…
Men’s hairstyles in the 1970s embraced a wide range of styles, from long, flowing hair to shorter, more structured cuts. The shag, with its layered, tousled look, became a defining style of the decade, while the bowl cut offered a more uniform shape with it…
In early 20th-century France, knife grinding was a vital yet grueling trade, requiring long hours and careful precision. In the town of Thiers—famed as the heart of French cutlery production—knife grinders developed a peculiar and practical technique to end…
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 …
The Firebird III stands out as the most fascinating and influential model among the Motorama Firebirds. Built in 1958, it is the only one in the Firebird trio to have a direct impact on the design of General Motors production vehicles. The influence is e…
Over the years, men have sported an array of hairstyles that have stood the test of time. Hairstyles aren’t just about looks; they’re a part of a guy's daily style and cleanliness routine. Let's take a fun peek into old-school barbershops and hair salon …
In the swinging 1960s, the motto for hair was crystal clear: "Go big or go home!" Celebrities like Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, and Brigitte Bardot rocked those larger-than-life hairstyles, making them look effortlessly fabulous. But let's face it, n…
In the history of the bicycle, the penny-farthing stands tall—or rather, stands tall and rides even taller. With its distinctive design, characterized by a comically large front wheel and a diminutive rear wheel, the penny-farthing catapults us back to …
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…
The 1970s, an era of bold fashion and unapologetic expression, gifted us with a whirlwind of unique styles that sometimes missed the mark. From shimmering vinyl jumpsuits to ultra-wide-legged pants, these fashion choices remind us of a time when daring expe…