Embark on a time-traveling journey through extraordinary moments in history. Spanning over a century, these powerful snapshots include everything from the founding of the first Muslim School in Ramah in 1915, to the last manned moon mission, to pivotal war events, and major societal milestones. Witness faces and places that have shaped our world, each carrying a profound story waiting to be discovered.
Mohammedan School, Ramah (ca. 1915)
The first Muslim school in Ramah, NM, was established in 1915 – over 100 years ago. This highlights the long-standing tradition of Muslim education in the USA, amidst a community often overlooked in discussions about America’s religious history.
Cernan, Apollo 17 & Rover (1972)
Eugene A. Cernan, the commander of Apollo 17, is notable for being the last man to walk on the moon. He did so in 1972 using the Lunar Rover, a four-wheeled vehicle designed for moon exploration. This mission marked the end of NASA’s Apollo program.
Hitler Dead (1945)
Hitler’s suicide, on April 30, 1945, wasn’t only an end to his life. It marked the collapse of the Nazi party. His death was kept secret for a day, to allow other leaders to escape Berlin before the news triggered chaos and consequential military reactions.
Zapata, Asúnsolo & Martinez (1911)
Emiliano Zapata, alongside Manuel Asúnsolo and Abraham Martinez in 1911, aimed to end large haciendas controlling land in Mexico. This was part of the Mexican Revolution advocating “Tierra y Libertad”, land and liberty. They fought for farmers’ rights.
“West 66th St NYC ’60 (w/Bonus)”
Contrary to popular belief, the first US skyscraper was not built in New York, but in Chicago. Named the Home Insurance Building, this 10-story structure built in 1885 is regarded as the world’s first skyscraper. It used steel in its frame, an architectural breakthrough.
Apollo 17 Crew (12/4/72)
Apollo 17 was NASA’s final mission in Apollo lunar landing program. The crew members – Harrison Schmitt, Ron Evans, and Eugene Cernan – were launched on December 4, 1972. It’s notable as Schmitt was a professional geologist, and Cernan was the last man on the moon.
Athens Acropolis (1900)
In 1900, the Acropolis of Athens, a significant ancient citadel with historical structures like Parthenon, was partly restored. Despite early 19th century looting and damage, it still mesmerized visitors with its grandeur reflecting Greece’s golden age.
Kowloon Walled City (1990)
The Orangi Town in Karachi, Pakistan, is considered the largest squatter settlement globally, housing around 50,000 people. What’s interesting is its DIY sewage system, organized by residents themselves, demonstrating self-help and community resilience.
Marine Feeds Japanese Child (1944)
This photo symbolizes humanity amidst war. Even though the US and Japan were enemies in 1944, this Marine’s act of kindness transcended the boundaries of war, reflecting an enduring human compassion irrespective of national affiliations.
Japanese Torpedo Bomber Explodes (1943)
The Japanese plane that first sank a US ship in WWII was a Mitsubishi G3M “Nell”. It successfully attacked USS Panay, an American gunboat, on China’s Yangtze River, marking the first US naval loss to aerial bombardment. This occurred four years before Pearl Harbor.
Piers Wall St. NY (ca. 1900-10)
In the early 20th century, immigrant pier workers in NYC, often from Italy and Ireland, played a crucial role in maintaining the city’s bustling ports. Often braving harsh conditions, they shaped the city’s industrial growth and cultural diversity.
Sex Pistols Live: Oslo (1977)
In 1977, The Sex Pistols initiated a pop culture revolution in Norway by staging the country’s first-ever punk concert. This spurred a massive punk movement, spearheading many anti-establishment rebellions among Norwegian youths.
Moonshiners’ Cow Shoes (1922)
Moonshiners during Prohibition utilized a clever deception to evade authorities by wearing ‘Cow Shoes’, special hoof-shaped contraptions that left cow-like prints instead of human footprints, making their illegal alcohol distilling operations harder to trace.
“Battle of Bougainville (WWII)”
US soldiers captured a strategic Japanese base using bayonets during World War II, demonstrating a blend of traditional warfare techniques with modern combat. This highlights their adaptive skill and highlights the significant role of infantries.
Olympic Marathon (1896)
In 1896, Spiridon Louis, a Greek shepherd, made history by winning the first Olympic marathon barefoot. The victory stirred nationalistic pride as it echoed ancient Greece’s historical glory and emphasized the powerful endurance of the humble shepherd.
USS Monitor’s Deck & Turret (1862)
The U.S.S. Monitor was a revolutionary ironclad warship, known for its iconic revolving turret. Its famous battle with confederate ship Virginia signaled the end of the era of wooden warships.
Lauren Bacall & Harry Truman (2/10/1945)
This photo of Lauren Bacall and VP Truman was taken at a party held by the National Press Club. Truman didn’t know Bacall would be there, never-the-less upon her request, played the piano while she lounged on top of it, creating an iconic piece of pop-culture history.
“8H Work, Freedom, Rest” (1890)
On 1st May 1890, the Swedish city Sundsvall held a major labor event, asserting the right to “8 hours work, 8 hours freedom, 8 hours rest”. This became the foundation of the modern 8-hour workday and is annually celebrated as International Workers’ Day.
Thaddeus Lowe’s Flight (1861)
Thaddeus Lowe’s hydrogen generators were key in Civil War spying. They filled spy balloons with lift-off gas on-site, a concept forefathering mobile refueling. The 1861 balloon flight was a successful demonstration for Abraham Lincoln to fund aeronautic surveillance.
Hindenburg Over NYC (1936)
The largest airship ever flown was the Hindenburg. This German zeppelin was over 800 feet long and tragically exploded over Lakehurst, NJ in 1937. The disaster, caused by a hydrogen fire, marked the end of the airship era in passenger transport.
Serra Pelada Gold Mine (1986)
The Serra Pelada gold mine was once the largest open-air pit gold mine in the world, created by up to 100,000 freelance miners or ‘garimpeiros’ using rudimentary tools. It resembled a massive ant colony, symbolizing the extremity of human greed and desolation.
Imperial Russian Grenadiers (1914)
The Imperial Russian Palace Grenadiers, marching at the Winter Palace in 1914, were elite soldiers who had honours from battlefield prowess. Each soldier had received the Order of St. George, the highest military decoration in Russia, a testament to their bravery and service.
Soldier Examines Goliath (1944)
The Goliath tracked demolition vehicle was an innovative WWII weapon. Designed by Germans, it was a remote-controlled, miniature tank packed with explosives, used for destroying tanks, bridges, and large fortifications.
Enola Gay Crew (1945)
The Enola Gay had a 12-member crew captained by Colonel Paul Tibbets who named the B-29 after his mother, Enola Gay Tibbets. Despite their part in the war, few crew members expressed regret, believing the bombing helped to end WWII quicker, saving lives.
Jack Dempsey vs. Houdini (1920)
This playful photo showcases a unique blend of sports and entertainment history, capturing a moment of camaraderie between three legendary figures of the early 20th century – Heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey, lightweight champ Benny Leonard, and illusionist Houdini.
HMS Hood & Valiant Attacked (1940)
This attack was part of the Battle of Cape Spartivento during WW2. Despite being outnumbered, the Italian SM79 bombers attempted to hinder Britain’s Mediterranean fleet. Yet, the battleships, HMS Hood and HMS Valiant, remained undamaged.
Frankfort High School Domestic Science (1923)
Frankfort High School proved innovative in education, as it established the first Domestic Science Department in 1923, demonstrating early recognition of the significance of home economics skills for both female and male students.
Nurses and Polio Respirators (1958)
In 1958, nurses were learning to use iron lungs, a type of respirator, for polio patients. These machines were essentially large metal tubes that used negative pressure to stimulate respiration. It was a significant development in polio treatment era.
Royal Irish Fusiliers Aid Farmers (3/27/40)
On March 27, 1940, amidst WWII, Irish Fusiliers deployed an unconventional farming method in France. With local horses taken by the French Army, they used a military tank to help French farmers till soil for spring, showcasing humanity amid turmoil.
Danes Welcome Free Corps (1942)
Despite being under German occupation, not all Danes supported the Danish Free Corps, a military unit made of Danes who fought on the Eastern Front for Nazis. Many viewed them as traitors, making their return controversial.
Homing Pigeon Wagon (2020)
During WWI & WWII, homing pigeons were vital for communication. Trains & wagons, dubbed ‘Pigeon lofts’, were specifically adapted to transport these intelligent birds to their owners. They could cover vast distances making them indispensable for sending urgent messages.
Rizal & Heroes in Paris (1885)
This event is chronicled in “Los Viajes,” where Rizal, Mariano Ponce, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Antonio Luna got intoxicated in Paris, showcasing their camaraderie before they became pivotal figures in the Philippine Revolution.
Walker Evans: Liberty Theater (1935)
The Liberty Theater in New Orleans was photographed by acclaimed American photographer, Walker Evans, in 1935. Known for his work with the Farm Security Administration documenting the effects of the Great Depression, this poignant image reflects the era’s mood and style.
French vs German Trench War (1914)
This photo captures the brutality of trench warfare during WWI. Dated 1914, it depicts the French troops charging toward the German lines, exemplifying the “war of attrition” strategy where the aim was to wear down the enemy by continual losses in personnel and material.
Black Child in Detroit Riot (1967)
The 1967 Detroit riots occurred due to racial tensions & police brutality, leading to extensive destruction. After the riots, there was a significant white flight which altered Detroit’s demographics, transforming it into a predominantly Black city.
Auschwitz Staff Retreat (1944)
Despite the horrific atrocities committed at Auschwitz, the Nazis held a weekend retreat nearby in 1944. It featured joyful activities like singing and roasting pigs, a chilling contrast to the camp’s grim reality.
Man Dismantling Tank (1920)
In the 1920’s post-war disarmament in Germany, a man dismantling a tank with a blowtorch was a common sight. This symbolized the end of the militaristic era, marking the transition towards peace as per the Treaty of Versailles.
