Explore a visual time capsule of the 20th century, encompassing iconic moments in women’s history, cultural evolution, and unique snippets of daily life.
Playboy Bunny Strike (1975)
On June 18, 1975, Playboy Bunnies at the Chicago club went on strike, seeking better working conditions, fair-pay, and an end to exploitative practices.
LA Vice Raid (April 6, 1951)
In a headline-making 1951 Hollywood Hills vice raid, Sheila McDonald and Gloria Joffee were among 11 individuals arrested for alleged involvement in prostitution, showcasing the underbelly of the glamorous Los Angeles entertainment industry.
Julie Newmar as Catwoman (1960s)
Julie Newmar’s iconic portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series revolutionized the character, blending seductive charm with wicked cunning. Half a century later, she reprised the role in animated films, proving her lasting influence.
Boxer Shorts Vending (1960)
In 1960, Macy’s NYC revolutionized retail by introducing a vending machine selling men’s boxer shorts for just 97 cents, showcasing convenience and modernization in American consumer culture during that era.
Wind Blows Dress (1938)
At Southend Fair, UK in 1938, a woman’s dress was wildly affected by the wind in a photograph captured by Kurt Hutton. The moment embodies the era’s fashion, leisure, and a glimpse of the unexpected.
Ewart Potgieter & Joan Rhodes (1955)
In 1955, South African heavyweight boxer Ewart Potgieter displayed incredible trust and strength by daring to balance on strongwoman Joan Rhodes, showcasing the impressive nature of human physical capabilities.
Sister Mary Kenneth Keller (1965)
Sister Mary Kenneth Keller broke gender barriers by becoming the first US woman to earn a doctorate in computer science, in 1965.
Dovima & Rocket (1959)
In 1959, famed fashion photographer Richard Avedon captured iconic model Dovima posing beside an Atlas-Able rocket at Cape Canaveral, showcasing an artistic blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless beauty symbolizing the era.
Flappers Dance 1926
In 1926, rebellious flappers defied social norms, dancing the lively Charleston atop Chicago’s Sherman Hotel, embodying the spirit of the Jazz Age and women’s newfound liberation.
Lina Salomé Havana (1956)
Lina Salomé, an entrancing singer and dancer, captivated 1950s Havana with her mesmerizing performances, combining her Spanish heritage with fiery Cuban rhythms (Havana, Cuba in 1956).
Bianca Passarge – Dance on Bottles (1958)
17-year-old Bianca Passarge from Hamburg, inspired by a dream, performed a unique cat dance atop wine bottles after diligently practicing for eight hours daily, captivating audiences with her skilled and whimsical act (1958).
Pearl Harbor Female Firefighters (1940s)
Female firefighters at Pearl Harbor shipyard broke gender barriers, showcasing women’s capabilities in firefighting and other demanding manual labor roles, contributing to a shifting workforce dynamic (1940s).
Madam Walker’s Million (1910s)
Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, was an African American entrepreneur who became the first self-made female millionaire in America by creating a line of haircare products specifically for African-American women (1910s).
Heinz Factory (1897 – 1898)
In 1898, female workers at the original Heinz factory in Pittsburgh, PA, played a vital role in bottling ketchup, showcasing early integration of women in industrial labor and the rise of the influential condiment in American cuisine.
First Woman in Space (1963)
Valentina Tereshkova, a former textile worker, was the first woman in space, piloting Vostok 6 in 1963. She orbited Earth 48 times in 71 hours, breaking stereotypes while shaping space history and women’s role in science.
Cologne Circus (1946)
In 1946, just after WWII, high-wire circus artists performed at Heumarkt, Cologne, bringing joy amidst destruction and symbolizing hope, resilience, and the people’s ability to regain balance in their war-torn lives.
Women’s Archery London Olympics (1908)
In 1908, the London Olympics introduced women’s archery, marking a major milestone in female sports participation. British archer, “Queenie” Newall, age 53, took gold, becoming the oldest female gold medalist in Olympic history.
IBM Wiring (1958)
In 1958, an accomplished female engineer demonstrated her expertise by meticulously wiring an early IBM computer, highlighting the advancing technology and the expanding opportunities for women in the rapidly evolving field of computer engineering.
Singer Clock Tower (c.1926)
In 1926, six women held one of Singer Sewing Machine Factory’s minute hand, symbolizing their contribution to the factory’s operation. The clock tower, once the world’s largest, served as a beacon in Clydebank, Scotland, and a welcome sight for sailors.
Young Women’s Republican Club (1941)
In 1941, The Young Women’s Republican Club of Milford, Connecticut, demonstrated civic engagement and political activism among women.
