Join the Fun!

#2

Portrait Of A Navajo Native American. Taken By Carl Moon, Circa 1906

Young man in historical attire, wearing beaded necklace and headband, embodying "Understand The Past" theme.

145points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

What a handsome lad!

74points

historicalsnapshots Report

#3

American Soldiers Pay Tribute To The Fallen Animals, 1918

Crowd of soldiers forming an eagle shape on a field, capturing a moment to understand the past.

Horses, mules and donkeys were used during WWI to transport ammunition and supplies to the front. They did so through the horrors of shellfire and appalling conditions. Eight million of them died during the war.

145points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

How sad and how bittersweet.

27points

historicalsnapshots Report

The invention of photography in 1839 changed the way people lived. All of a sudden, humans had the ability to capture a single moment through a still image and immortalize it for future generations.

As the Modern Museum of Art points out, photographs can help shape our understanding of different cultures, their history, and, most importantly, the people who appear in them.

#4

Marine Sergeant Frank Praytor Feeds A Two Week Old Orphan Kitten

Soldier in a trench caring for a kitten, showcasing historical empathy during wartime.

Frank, a marine during the Korean War, found the kitten and named her Miss Hap because “she was born at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

145points

POST

Premislaus de Colo 1 week ago

Absolutely had to chceck, and yes, there is a happy ending for both him and the kitten, although they went their separate ways

70points

#5

Portrait Of A Woman And Baby, Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico In 1914

A woman with a child wrapped in a traditional blanket, showcasing a historical moment.

143points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Absolutely gorgeous, both of them! Proud mother, happy baby!

39points

#6

Ah-Weh-Eyu (Pretty Flower), From The Seneca Nation, 190

Young woman in traditional attire leaning against a tree in a historical photo, showcasing a glimpse of the past.

141points

POST

Disgruntled Pelican 1 week ago

My goodness this is a stunning picture!

43points

Since we’re on the topic of attention-grabbing vintage photographs, the iconic “Migrant Mother” is a stellar example. Taken in 1936 during the Great Depression, it features an impoverished woman in a pea-pickers camp in California, alongside her children hiding their faces.

It was such a moving photograph that it urged the federal government to send 20,000 pounds of food to the camp.

#7

Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, Ann Waldner And Blanche Osborn, Women Airforce Service Pilots During Wwii, Pictured Here As They Leave Their Airplane,

Four female pilots in vintage flight jackets, standing in front of a historical aircraft, representing "Understand The Past."

140points

POST

Janissary35680 Premium 1 week ago

"Pistol Packing Mamas" (Says so, right on the tin.)

43points

#8

Before She Became Famous As An Actress In All In The Family, Maude, And Golden Girls, Bea Arthur Worked As A Truck Driver And Typist In The United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve During Wwii

Historical photo of a woman from the mid-20th century with curly hair standing against a height chart background.

133points

POST

Helena 1 week ago

An entire life of kicking your axx and your preconceived notions. I will never be this cool

50points

#9

O-O-Be, A Kiowa Native American, Circa 1895

Smiling girl in traditional attire, a captivating moment to understand the past through historical photography.

132points

POST

Pyla 1 week ago

That smile! Wow! So rare in old photos

50points

“Man on the Moon” is another well-known snapshot that captures one of the most significant human accomplishments in history. It’s a photograph of astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s first steps on the moon’s surface by the great Neil Armstrong.

This 1969 picture shows the lone Aldrin standing with the vast expanse of space as his backdrop. Unfortunately, this photo doesn’t deter today’s skeptics who doubt that the event ever happened.

#10

Portrait Of Two Women. Zanzibar, Circa 1900

Two women in traditional attire smiling, representing historical fashion.

131points

POST

GlitterPanda 1 week ago

Gorgeous!

29points

#11

Red Cross Nurse And Rescue Dog, Wwi

Nurse in historical attire with a Red Cross service dog, showcasing a glimpse into the past.

131points

POST

Justin Tyme 1 week ago

Are you sure it isn't wWI?

20points

#12

Portrait Of An Inuit Woman And Child, Circa 1912

A historical photo of a mother with her baby in traditional attire, capturing a moment from the past.

130points

POST

Tamra 1 week ago

That is one warm, cozy baby.

28points

The 1945 flag-raising photo on Iwo Jima will always be legendary, especially for military veterans, historians, and loyal Americans. Photographed by Joe Rosenthal, it shows a group of US Marines planting the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi to mark its capture and signify America’s victory in World War II.

Despite doubts about its authenticity, the picture never fails to spark feelings of patriotism, especially among those who served during the war.

#13

Edward Bouchet Became The First African American To Earn A Phd In The U.S. When He Completed His Dissertation In Physics At Yale In 1876

Historical photo of a man in a suit, illustrating a moment from the past.

123points

POST

Cee Cee 1 week ago

Good for him. Hard slog and not just the topic.

29points

#14

A Snapshot Of Life From Nebraska, 1910

Children smiling and holding hands in a vintage black-and-white photo, embodying historical innocence and joy.

123points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Cute kids!

23points

#15

Liberated Survivors Of Auschwitz, 1945

Children behind barbed wire, wearing striped uniforms, evoke historical context, capturing a poignant past moment.

119points

POST

BunnyMommy 1 week ago

Children

42points

We’d also like to hear from you, readers. Which of these photos stood out to you the most? How do they make you feel? Let us know in the comments below!

#16

Portrait Of Selika Lazevski, Believed To Be A Horsewoman Who Rode At Nouveau Cirque In Paris

Victorian-era woman in a top hat and fitted dress holding a cane, exemplifying historical fashion.

118points

POST

C B Jones 1 week ago

Man she looks fierce.

43points

#17

Portrait Of A Navajo Woman, Circa 1904

Smiling woman in a cloak sitting by a door, embodying historical charm and simplicity.

117points

POST

Eastendbird 1 week ago

What a beautiful smile.

36points

#18

London, 1899. Photo By Leonard Misonne

Historical photo of a foggy street with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians holding umbrellas.

116points

POST

Paul C. 1 week ago

It's a real pea-souper guvnor!

20points

#19

Elizabeth L. Gardner Of Rockford, Illinois, A Wasp (Women's Airforce Service Pilot) Pilot, Circa 1940s

Smiling woman in vintage aircraft cockpit, showcasing historical aviation moments.

114points

POST

tee-lena 1 week ago

Competent and beautiful

24points

#20

Portrait Of Billie Holiday And Her Dog Mister, NYC, Circa 1947

Woman with flowers in hair and a dog, exemplifying historical fashion and companionship, capturing a moment to understand the past.

114points

POST

Estelle 1 week ago

I have never seen this image before. Such a beautiful photo of Ms. Holiday. Gorgeous pittie too!

30points

#21

Portrait Of Hattie Tom, An Apache Native American, 1899

Young Indigenous woman from the past wearing traditional jewelry and attire, an incredible historical photo.

113points

POST

Broadredpanda 1 week ago

Stunning!!

21points

#22

Portrait Of Flora Stewart. She Was Said To Be Vivacious With A “Remarkably Retentive Memory.”

Elderly woman in historical attire holding a cane, embodying an incredible historical moment from the past.

113points

POST

Willem Andries Oosterhof 1 week ago

https://www.nypl.org/blog/2020/06/04/flora-stewart-londonderry-nh

14points

#23

Sergeant Karen Hermiston, Or “Hermie” As People Called Her, Was Courageous And Determined, Earning A Place In Canadian History As The Only Official Female Photographer For The Armed Forces To Work Amidst Combat During World War II

Woman in vintage attire holding a camera in a historical photo, standing in a field.

111points

Gabija Palšytė

POST

Pyla 1 week ago

With her gorgeous Rolleicord!

15points

#24

Roger Williams University In Nashville, Tennessee, 1899

Historical photo featuring seven well-dressed individuals from the past, showcasing fashion and expressions of their era.

110points

POST

Lauren Wilder 1 week ago

The land this school sat on is now Vanderbilt University. On the night of January 24, 1905, at ten o'clock, a mysterious fire destroyed Centennial Hall. The school reopened, but on May 22, 1905, another fire of unknown origin leveled Mansion House. The American Baptist Home Mission Society closed Roger Williams University and subsequently sold part of the land to realtors and the rest to George Peabody College for Teachers by 1911. Realtors subdivided the land for resale, with covenants on the deeds that restricted sale to any "person of African descent."

30points

#25

Kaw-U-Tz, A Caddo Native American, 1906

A historical portrait of a woman with long hair and beaded necklace, evoking the past.

110points

POST

Mental Liberals 1 week ago

Gorgeous!!

27points

#26

Portrait Of The Fisk University Class Of 1888

Group of five people in formal 19th-century attire, posing in a vintage setting, exemplifying "understand the past."

106points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Incredible for the time and especially incredible for this being in the southern United States.

25points

#27

Portrait Of Lillian, Cora And Luvenia Ward. Taken In Worcester, Massachusetts, Circa 1900

Three children in vintage dresses sit on a bench, capturing a moment to understand the past.

99points

POST

Premislaus de Colo 1 week ago

Lillian - silenty judging your life choices since 1900

69points

#28

Portrait Of A Sami Family, Norway, Circa 1890

Historical family photo in front of a traditional tent with children dressed in period attire, showcasing cultural heritage.

98points

POST

Emma London 1 week ago

And these are their summer outfits.

25points

#29

Portrait Of Nora Oo-Teen'a, An Inuit Woman. Alaska, 1903

Historical photo of a woman with long hair, wearing a beaded headband, capturing a moment to understand the past.

97points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

That hair - gorgeous!

39points

#30

“Jitterbugging On A Saturday Evening,” Mississippi, 1939

People dancing joyfully in a historical photo, capturing a lively moment from the past.

96points

POST

Pyla 1 week ago

did she ride in? Those look like joddies.

16points

#31

Portrait Of A Young Girl And Child. Japan, Circa 1908

Young girl carrying a sleeping child on her back, embodying a moment to understand the past.

95points

POST

Rob Williams 6 days ago

Reminds me of Grave Of The Fireflies...

4points

#32

Iron Thunder, Crow Eagle, Fool Thunder, Slow White Buffalo, All Holding Peace Pipes, Dakota, Circa 1880s

Four Native American individuals in traditional attire, exemplifying historical heritage and culture, seated in a studio setting.

94points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

This is a good looking group of men, but the fellow in the front is extra fine. Just my humble opinion. ;-)

47points

#33

Portrait Of Chaiwa, A Tewa Native American, Circa 1906

Young woman with traditional hairstyle and attire, capturing a moment to understand the past.

94points

POST

Justin Tyme 1 week ago

Luke Skywalker's lesser-known half sister.

40points

#34

An Unidentified Soldier, Australia, Ww1

Young soldier in vintage uniform and slouch hat, illustrating historical photography.

94points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Handsome lad.

34points

#35

Paris, 1900

Historical photo of a 19th-century world fair with people in formal attire admiring ornate buildings and a bridge.

93points

POST

Ece Cenker 1 week ago

This is during the World Exhibition. The buildings were pavilions of various countries.

39points

#36

Portrait Of A Woman. Ontario, Canada, Circa 1890

A young woman in Victorian attire, offering a glimpse into the past.

92points

POST

SnackbarKaat 1 week ago

Such a beautiful young woman

34points

#37

Portrait Of A Family. Manzanar Relocation Center, 1943

Family sitting at a table in a historical setting, capturing a moment from the past.

87points

POST

Bernd Herbert 1 week ago

If someone still doesn't know, Manzanar was one of ten concentration camps in the US were Japanese Americans were incarcerated during WWII. What a shame.

87points

#38

Portrait Of A Union Army Soldier From The U.S. Civil War And His Family, Circa 1864

Historical family portrait, likely 19th century, showcasing a man in uniform, woman, and two children.

87points

POST

UKGrandad 1 week ago

The black regiments very quickly gained a reputation as being among the fiercest fighters in the war. The Confederate soldiers loathed and feared them in equal measure.

40points

#39

A Spinner And Her Spinning Wheel. County Galway, Ireland, Circa 1890

Elderly woman using a spinning wheel, showcasing historical textile crafting.

87points

POST

Bettye McKee 1 week ago

I still don't understand how spinning wheels work.

19points

David 1 week ago

Betty, This is a very basic answer, but you make thread / cordage by twisting fibers together. It's how say, fairly short strands of cotton can become yards and yards of string when all twisted together. SO - The spinning wheel does the "twisting" part of the work for you, which makes it much easier on the hands/wrists. There are videos on youtube.

11points

Load More Replies...

taarna23 1 week ago

My mom had a spinning wheel similar to that. Don't know what happened to it or how she came to have spinning as a hobby, but I always enjoyed the rhythmic wooden rattling of it when she used it.

1point

SkankHunt42 1 week ago

Aurora, is that you?

0points

Mike F 1 week ago

She looks like my great grandmother.

0points

Willem Andries Oosterhof 1 week ago

Is this the same woman as above?

0points

XenoMurph 1 week ago

No this lady is much younger at about 35, the other lady must be over 40. Galway in the 19th century was harsh.

2points

Load More Replies...

#40

Five Year Old Warren Bernard Runs Out Of His Mother's Grasp To His Father, A Soldier From New Westminster, Canada Who Was Going To Fight For Canada In Wwii

A child reaches for a soldier in a historical photo capturing a military parade, highlighting a moment to understand the past.

86points

POST

Tamra 1 week ago

I hope he made it back home to them.

54points

#41

Portrait Of A Family. Florida, Circa 1900

Historical family portrait with vintage attire, showcasing diverse generations and a dog, highlighting past lifestyles.

83points

POST

Cee Cee 1 week ago

Nice that the family dog is included.

63points

#42

Portrait Of Cotton Mill Workers In Georgia, U.S., 1909

Three young girls in historical attire, embodying early 20th-century life.

82points

POST

John Dilligaf 1 week ago (edited)

that woman in the middle looks like she's lost all her f*cks and is about to give someone a beatdown

78points

#43

An Apache Woman, 1888

A historical photo of a Native American woman adorned with feathers and beads, showcasing cultural attire.

81points

POST

Carole Martin 1 week ago

Oh, all the beautiful beadwork!

10points

#44

Mother & Son, Ireland, Circa 1890

Elderly couple in period clothing; man seated with paper, woman standing with a cane. Historical photo capturing the past.

80points

POST

UKGrandad 1 week ago

Ye'll have a cup o'tea, Father Jack? Ah go on, go on, go on go on go on.

21points

#45

Women Making Fun Of Sign At Beach Requiring Full Bathing Suits. Miami, Florida, 1934

Women at the beach near a sign requiring full bathing suits, highlighting historical dress codes.

80points

POST

Helena 1 week ago

Women hating being regulated since the dawn of time.

64points

historicalsnapshots Report

#46

Florence Was Thirty-Two Years Old, A Mother Of Seven Children, Living In Nipomo, California With Her Children And Partner, Jim Hill, 1936

A mother and her children during the Great Depression, capturing a poignant moment to understand the past.

"I worked in hospitals. I tended bar. I cooked. I worked in the fields. I done a little bit of everything to make a living for my kids."

79points

POST

Kelly Scott 1 week ago

She wasn't actually a dustbowl refugee, though, like everyone thinks.

19points

#47

Photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston In An 1896 Self-Portrait Of A "New Woman," Taken In Her Washington, Dc Studio

Woman in vintage clothing, holding a cigarette, seated by a fireplace with historical photos above.

79points

POST

Tamra 1 week ago

A shocking display of lower extremities!

39points

#48

Portrait Of Martha Perkins, 1901

A woman in an elegant, vintage dress and hat, exemplifying a moment from the past.

78points

POST

Carole Martin 1 week ago

The lady, the dress and the hat: all beautiful!

22points

#49

Warsaw Ghetto, 1943

Historical photo of civilians with hands raised, surrounded by soldiers, capturing a tense moment from the past.

75points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Pitiful, puny soldiers in this photo.

23points

#50

A Snapshot Of Historical Fashion From Japan, 1910s

Three women in traditional kimonos holding fans, capturing a slice of history.

42points

POST

Dee Rutherford 1 week ago

Beautiful young ladies.

2points

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#51

Portrait Of An Inupiat Family From Noatak, Alaska. Circa 1929

34points

POST

Dee Rutherford 1 week ago

What a lovely looking family.

5points

#52

Women In Chicago Being Arrested For Wearing One Piece Bathing Suits Without The Required Leg Coverings, 1922

33points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Oh my Lord, cover your eyes to prevent seeing these brazen hussies! 😂

15points

#53

Portrait Of Iron White Man, A Sioux Native American, Circa 1900

32points

POST

Marnie 1 week ago

I've seen quite a few photos of older Native American men, but almost none (maybe zero) of older Native American women. It might just be what people are choosing to post online. Or, it could be far fewer photos were taken. Either way, it's weird.

2points

#54

Portrait Of A Girl From The Jicarilla Apache Nation, Circa 1905

32points

POST

#55

The World Knew Him As "Blind Tom" Wiggins, A Musical Prodigy, One Of The Best-Known American Performing Pianists Of The 19th Century

31points

POST

LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 week ago

He was blind from birth and died fairly young (59) due to a series of strokes.

1point

#56

Portrait Of A Family, 1890

31points

POST

G A 1 week ago

Unusually whimsical for the time!

17points

#57

Chief Bone Necklace Of The Oglala Lakota, 1899

31points

POST

Pyla 1 week ago

Is that his real name?

1point

#58

Wedding Rings Of Concentration Camp Victims. They Were Found Near Buchenwald By U.S. Army Soldiers In 1945

30points

POST

Cara Vinson 1 week ago

My grandpa was a liberator of Buchenwald. He had nightmares the rest of his life, and he lived a long time.

17points

#59

Portrait Of Kikisoblu, Also Known As Princess Angeline. Born Sometime In The 1820s, Kikisoblu Was The Daughter Of Chief Seattle Of The Duwamish Tribe

30points

POST

Pyla 1 week ago

The Duwamish river is basically the industrial alleyway of the puget sound, althought it's getting restored a bit

6points

#60

Josie, Six Years Old, Bertha, Six Years Old, And Sophie, 10 Years Old. All Shuckers At Maggioni Canning Co. Location: Port Royal, South Carolina. Circa 1911

29points

POST

Cara Vinson 1 week ago

The face of child labor and stolen girlhood

14points

#61

Photograph Of 1924 Miss America Winner, Ruth Malcolmson

29points

POST

G A 1 week ago

Ruth was a beauty

6points

#62

Children Of Miners. Scott’s Run, West Virginia, 1937

29points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Great smiles!

6points

#63

An Albanian Woman From Italy At Ellis Island, Circa 1905

29points

POST

Owen 1 week ago

I see Micheal cera

7points

#64

Riding A New Tricycle, 1882. Photo By Chas. W Oldrieve

29points

POST

Janissary35680 Premium 1 week ago

Tricycle designed for a steampunk version of Mad Max, "Before the Thunderdome".

8points

#65

Elvin Harley Of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Of The 3rd Armored Division, Gets A Peck On The Cheek From A French Girl While Listening To The 9th Armored Division Band Near Aboncourt, France. February 14, 1945

Elvin Harley Of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Of The 3rd Armored Division, Gets A Peck On The Cheek From A French Girl While Listening To The 9th Armored Division Band Near Aboncourt, France. February 14, 1945

29points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

I had boots exactly like those worn by the soldier when I was a little girl.

5points

#66

Black Otter, An Arapahoe Native American

28points

POST

#67

A Snapshot Of Life From Denver, 1907

28points

POST

LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 week ago

I see people who are people just the same as everyone else, regardless of pigmentation levels, out enjoying a bike ride :) May we all remember that human beings are human beings no matter how much melanin you do or don't have, or what shape your eyes are, or what your cultural background is. We are all humans, and we all have hopes and dreams. We all laugh at funny jokes. We all have favorite colors, flowers, animals, and books. In other words, we are all one species despite our differences <3

1point

#68

A Few Miss Europe Candidates, 1930

28points

POST

G A 1 week ago

Girl on the left you could see walking down a street today. She has a bit of a goth look.

7points

#69

Tattoo Artist Maud Wagner, U.S., 1907

27points

POST

Multa Nocte 1 week ago

Lydia, oh Lydia, say have you met Lydia, oh Lydia the queen of tattoos!

9points

#70

Portrait Of John Smith, A Chippewa Native American. He Was Also Known As Gaa-Binagwiiyaas, Amongst Other Names

27points

POST

Paul C. 1 week ago

He's seen some sh!t!

7points

#71

Jewish People From Subcarpathian Rus Await Selection At Auschwitz-Birkenau, May 1944

27points

POST

Bernd Herbert 1 week ago

F*****g Nazis. And still people here in Germany want to relativize that. And it's getting worse.

32points

#72

Portrait Of Angeline Perkins With Her Children, Nellie And William. Worcester, Massachusetts, Circa 1900

27points

POST

Tabitha 1 week ago

Angeline looks like a child herself, and probably could have been, given the time and place.

7points

#73

A Snapshot Of Life From New York, Circa 1910

27points

POST

Tabitha 1 week ago

Tenement life, to be precise.

7points

#74

A Snapshot Of Life, Circa 1910

27points

POST

Vivian McBride 1 week ago

Pre-OSHA.

9points

#75

Portrait Of Ute Chief Severo And His Family, Circa 1885

26points

POST

tee-lena 1 week ago

I hope their lives were happier than they seem

2points

#76

A Snapshot Of Life From Washington Dc, Circa 1920

26points

POST

JM 1 week ago

Reminds me of the Little Rascals go cart episodes

0points

#77

Central Park, NYC, Circa 1900

25points

POST

JM 1 week ago

No threat of nuclear weapons any where in sight.

0points

#78

Portrait Of A Family In Gainesville, Florida. Circa 1900

25points

POST

DEW 1 week ago

A beautiful family.

5points

#79

An Italian Mother And Child Who Just Arrived At Ellis Island, Circa 1905

25points

POST

Mental Liberals 1 week ago

Legal immigration! :)

-3points

#80

Mulberry St., NYC, 1900

24points

POST

Kelly H. Wilder 1 week ago

"And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street" (Dr. Seuss)

2points

#81

Portrait Of A Family, Beaufort, South Carolina, 1862

23points

POST

DEW 1 week ago

The man sitting down looks like has had his pants for his entire adult life. They look to have been mended time and time again.

4points

#82

An Immigrant Family At Ellis Island, Circa 1905

23points

POST

Der Kommissar 1 week ago

Oldest child, a daughter, had her hands full.

18points

#83

A Snapshot Of Life, 1940s

23points

POST

DEW 1 week ago

Portrait of love! Where the mirror selfies were born.

2points

#84

Charlie Chaplin And Helen Keller On The Set Of Chaplin's Film "Sunnyside", 1919

23points

POST

DEW 1 week ago

I've always been fascinated by Helen Keller. Back in my school days I did a book report about her. Due to book reports I was fascinated Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln, and King Henry the 8th. He kept 1 of his wives in the London tower so every time I see it or it's mentioned I think of his wife waiting for her execution. I believe it was Anne Boleyn his second wife. I learned that King Henry is in the vault in St. Georges Chapel Windsor UK when Prince Philip passed away. I want to go in every room of the Palace and just look and I want to look at the Royal jewelery. I don't want photos I just want to see and hear about the history of the Palace.

2points

#85

NYC, 1888

23points

POST

Tabitha 1 week ago

Historic blizzard.

4points

#86

Taking A Selfie, NYC, 1920

22points

POST

DEW 1 week ago

Where's the selfie stick? I love to see these kinds of photos. It's so funny to me that their were selfies and electric cars in the 1900's plus and we are doing it again in the 2000's give or take and we are repeating it like it's new in today's world.

3points

#87

Portrait Of Charlie Chaplin, Circa 1920

22points

POST

DEW 1 week ago

I want to say that there were very pretty, gorgeous, and handsome people with fantastic skin back in the early 1900's. I think Chaplin looks like Prince William. To me they could be twins.

2points