Pictures hold something truly special—a speck of time that once was and shall never be again. They’re the closest thing we have to a time machine, allowing us to glimpse through a window of film and into the past.
In the mid-2000s, historian Anna Pegler-Gordon said that visual media often seems more accessible to her students than the written record. They claimed images make the past seem more accessible, giving concrete shape to a world that sometimes seems intangible. Not to mention the immediacy of the image, which often conveys information more quickly than a primary document written in an unfamiliar, or even a foreign, language. But according to Pegler-Gordon, this immediacy also works well in discussion sections, where the shared experience of viewing a picture can provide a focus for lively group discussion.
Amazing photos from the past
A blast from the past! Since time machines have not yet been invented, our only way to peer back in time, at people and events in the distant past and the not-so-distant past, is to look at photographs that were taken at the time.
Born in Wisconsin in 1868, Edward Sheriff Curtis took to photography at an early age. In 1895 he photographed Princess Angeline, the daughter of the Duwamish Chief Seattle, for whom…
Often our knowledge and perceptions of the past are challenged, especially as rare photos finally reach the surface. We discover new things about political figures, icons of popular culture, and even gain insights into old practices and important historical events… Pictured here is Walt Disney when he unveiled his plans for Disneyland on national television, October 27, 1954.
These 20 famous photographs are significant in history each for their own reason. Learn how photography has literally changed history.
Westwood, Los Angeles in 1946 Westwood, Los Angeles in 2017 Times Square, New York in 1943 Times Square, New York in 2017 East Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago in
Ever since the invention of the camera in the early 1800s, photographers have documented everything, from wars and protest marches to scientific discoveries, and even space landings, allowing everyone to, in a way, "attend" these special events.
Interesting showcase of photos with kids from the past.
Vintage black and white photos brought to life with a splash of color.
Vergiss das mit den "Eiern". Wir wissen doch alle, wie dieser Ausdruck *wirklich* heißen sollte.
Slavery is one of the worst things that has happened in Human history and generally in The United States. However, beside slavery the racial segregation
It took more than 15 years to take the Statue of Liberty from concept to reality. Construction is pictured here in 1884, less than two years before she was completed.
When you think about war it’s usually not in a great context. There’s fighting, shooting, and all manner of horrific existential crises that occur, but for the men and women who are in the military not every day is a dour trip in heavy equipment and we’ve got the visual proof.
Paratroopers are a common part of modern warfare, it's hard to imagine a modern army without an airborne or air assault element. This form of combat was
It’s 1942 and the Germans occupy and dominate the vast majority of Europe. They were there, on the scene, and the local men either were not (dead, in prison camps,…
Collected here are photos of stunning architecture, fascinating archaeological finds, and landmark moments for major brands. Flip through the pages of history and you’ll find it is brimming with beautiful bursts of artistic genius, influential innovators, and revolutionary peacemakers...
D-DAY: The French after the Allied invasion. What did they look like? Well, thanks to the intrepid reporters who risked life and limb to record the fighting, we have an idea... But what about the French, who had endured four years of Nazi occupation? The Resistance took heart. The refugees took bread and water. The collaborators took a beating...
From heartbreak to joy and everything in between, each of these iconic photos tell a truly American story.
Today, be thankful. (Arizona migrant family, 1940.)
Photographer Bruce Davidson has been witness to some of the most profound cultural and social movements of the mid 20th century.
Interesting showcase of photos with kids from the past.
