Historical Pictures That Change The Way People Think of the Past

We all know that photography has come a long way since its early days, but it’s hard to imagine just how different things were back then. That’s why these photos are so special – they give us a glimpse into a time and place that might otherwise be lost to us. Take, for example, this photo taken by a renowned Harlem-based photographer of a group of beautiful young women, and all dressed up for graduation.

Step back in time with the fascinating story of the Beaver family, members of the Stoney First Nation who lived and worked in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. In 1907, Mary Schäffer captured a moment of pure joy in a photograph featuring Samson, Leah, and their daughter Frances Louise. The photo, now a highly popular postcard image and a topic of academic discourse, challenges the misconception that Native Americans were always serious and unsmiling in photographs.

The past is always captivating, especially when we stumble upon photographs that capture its essence. Loti-Kee-Yah-Tede, the Chief’s Daughter of Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico, is one such photograph that will leave you awestruck. Taken way back in 1905, this photograph shows a woman so beautiful and modern-looking that it’s hard to believe that it’s over a century old. Looking at these pictures, it’s incredible to see how similar people looked, despite being so far apart in time.

This stunning photo of a radiant bride from the 1930s is a true blast from the past! It’s incredible to see how even though styles and fashion have evolved over time, the joy and excitement of a bride on her wedding day has remained constant. This bride is the epitome of happiness and beauty as she poses for the camera, and her beautiful dress is a perfect reflection of the era.

This touching photo is of a young Anne Frank writing in her diary but is a stark reminder of the tragic fate that awaited Anne and millions of others during the Holocaust. The image captures a moment frozen in time, a look into a life that was tragically cut short. It’s a powerful symbol of the past and that even the most innocent lives can be upended and destroyed at the hands of tyrants.

This photo captures a piece of history that many of us may not have known existed – an African American family who were settlers in the 1880s. It’s a reminder that pioneers of all races contributed to the building of the United States, even when racial inequality was rampant. Seeing this family in their everyday life gives us a new perspective on their challenges and the strength it took to persevere in the face of adversity.

Take a blast into the past and the lives of black New Yorkers in the 1930s through the lens of renowned photographer James Van Der Zee. This striking portrait of a woman captures a sense of connection with the past as if she’s looking straight at you from over 80 years ago. Van Der Zee was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for his portraits of Black Americans, and this one is unforgettable.

This portrait from 1880 showcases a high-ranking Fijian tribesman adorned in a “wasekaseka” necklace made of sperm whale’s teeth! The teeth were usually split and polished into shape and sewn onto sennit cords made of plant or coconut fiber and worn closely around the neck. It’s a typical accessory of Fijian tribesmen along with the Fijian War Club that this man is carrying. A truly remarkable portrait that shows a side you’re not used to seeing in textbooks. 

The early 1900s were a time of great change, and this photograph captures a moment of fun amidst a time of upheaval. The Payro family appears to be enjoying a lighthearted moment with their beloved cat, who seems to be behind the camera taking a photo of the family. It’s remarkable to see the contrast between the formal attire of the family and the playful demeanor of their feline friend.

These photos take us on a journey through time, showcasing moments that are both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. One such photo captures a rural mail carrier in Sweden back in the year 1900. This isn’t your average mail carrier, mind you. This is a true polar explorer, braving the harsh winter elements in full uniform. Just imagine trudging through the snow with nothing but your heavy garb to protect you from the biting cold.

Have you ever heard of Cathy Williams? Her story is one for the history books! In 1862, Williams enlisted in the Union army, becoming one of an estimated 400-500 women who disguised themselves as men to fight in the Civil War. Despite facing incredible odds as a woman in a male-dominated military, Williams never gave up and proved herself a true warrior. A rare image like this helps you understand a part of history that would otherwise be hushed.

Step back in time with this portrait of a Native American from the Crow Nation, taken in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1881. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of this photo, but it’s important to remember the often-overlooked stories of the people in these images. Native American history is often brushed under the rug, but thanks to photos like this, we can get a glance at their culture and way of life.

This charming photo is of a little girl from England in 1886, trying to cut a sunbeam with some sheep shearing scissors! It’s refreshing to see a snapshot from this time period that’s not all serious faces staring into the camera with their dead eyes. This photo is a playful reminder that even in the past, people still had a sense of humor and some sense of whimsicalness to them.

The talent of this Navajo woman weaving a blanket in Santa Fe, New Mexico is incredible. This photo showcases the intricate work and skill of creating these beautiful textiles. Just like the fantastic rug weavers in Iran, the legacy of talent goes back so long, and it’s amazing to see what they could create with their hands. It’s photos like these that remind us of the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that has been passed down through generations.

This photo isn’t of an ordinary woman but one with a life story that will leave you in awe. Born the daughter of a Cornwall copper miner, she went on to become a 5-time bride, a free Australian immigrant, and a resident of far North Queensland. A mother of three, she worked as a laundress before spending a short time living on New Zealand’s North Island. And all of this in just 55 years of life!

This is a piece of history that you probably didn’t know about. Meet the Kentucky Pack-Horse Librarians, a group of riders who delivered books through the Works Progress Administration of the 1930s. These brave men and women lived in the Appalachian Mountains and traveled on horseback to deliver books to those who couldn’t access them otherwise. It’s hard to imagine a time when books were so scarce that people needed to rely on pack-horse librarians to access them.

This photo from 1912 features the Gaudreau sisters of Stanbridge East, Quebec. Their faces and details are so intriguing, and each sister seems to have a unique personality shining through. The youngest sister is clearly the darling of the family, carefully dressed and posed. These beautiful and rare photos are truly from a time in history you didn’t know and are a true window into the lives and personalities of people long gone.

Be transported back in time with this rare and moving image of Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Lakota Native American leader who led his people during years of resistance from 1883! It’s not often that we get to see photos like this of the people who once lived throughout North America. Unfortunately, this part of history has been hidden, and the stories of these incredible individuals have not been shared as they deserve to be.

Not only is it a great image of John Merrick with his daughters, but it also represents a time of black excellence many may not be aware of. Merrick was an extraordinary philanthropist, using his wealth to provide job opportunities and essential services to the black community. He even established a library in Durham’s back neighborhood, recognizing the need for access to knowledge and resources that were otherwise denied to black citizens.

Sophia Loren was a true icon of Hollywood, especially during the 1960s. Her words, “I’d rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0,” have become legendary and still resonate with women today. In a world obsessed with unrealistic beauty standards and body image, Sophia’s attitude towards food and her own body was truly refreshing. She celebrated her curves and refused to conform to society’s expectations of what a “perfect” body should look like.

Another incredible photo that captures a slice of life from the early 1900s in New York. These tenement dwellers are getting creative to beat the heat during a summer heat wave. Can you imagine sleeping on a rooftop or a pier just to escape the sweltering heat? This was the reality for two-thirds of the city’s population in 1900 when air conditioning wasn’t yet available. What a stark reminder of the struggles of everyday life in the past!

A French woman walks around with a baguette and six bottles of wine; it’s a funny sight to see! This adorable photo was taken in Paris in 1945, and it shows a woman who’s clearly been through a lot but isn’t going to let that stop her from enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Her apron suggests she’s been hard at work, and the six bottles of wine are a testament to her determination to unwind and savor the moment.

A gorgeous and vintage photo from 1947 of a group of teenagers chilling out at a post-high school dance party in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The fashion and style in this snap are a far cry from today’s trends, from their hairstyles to their clothing choices. Those pinstripe suits and dapper fedoras on the boys and the gorgeous flowers adorning the girls’ hair scream sophistication and elegance. It’s no wonder why people are calling for a return to this retro style.

You might not think of sleepovers as something that dates back over a century, but this rare photograph from 1915 shows a group of teens having a blast at a slumber party. Their pajamas and hairstyles are so different from what we see today; it’s intriguing to be able to see what they look like. From the comfy clothes to the smiling faces, it’s clear that some things never change when it comes to teenage fun.

Unearthed from the past is a captivating photograph that tells the story of the homesteaders of the late 1800s. This diverse group of people came from all over the world and all walks of life. They were immigrants seeking a new start. But this photo, in particular, was of Daniel Freeman in 1862. He was a former soldier in the Union Army on secret duty and had his sights set on a piece of land.

In World War 1, carrier pigeons were a crucial means of communication, and this “pigeon bus” was a vital part of the process. Used as a collecting point for messenger pigeons from the front lines, this bus transported the feathered messengers to their destination, where they would deliver important messages from soldiers to their commanders. It’s hard to imagine how different things were back then, with no instant messaging or satellites to rely on.

Step back in time with this photograph from the Wild West in 1917, showing three cowgirls at the Miles City Round-Up in Montana. Meet Clyde Lindsay, Mildred Douglas, and Ruby Dickey, who were among the many women who defied societal expectations and made a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of rodeo. These daring women displayed their skills and athleticism in events such as bronc riding, calf roping, and barrel racing.

Incredible images have surfaced showing the daily struggle of peasant girls in the Russian Empire during the early 1910s. The pictures depict young girls carrying heavy buckets of water from a sleigh to their humble hut in the midst of the brutal winter weather. These girls endured extreme weather conditions and were responsible for providing water to their families. Their strength and resilience are truly remarkable and evident through these photos!

Have you ever seen a photo of someone jumping rope in the Victorian era? It seems almost too wild to be true, but this vintage snap from 1900 proves that even the prim and proper Victorians knew how to have a good time. At first glance, it looks like the woman in the photo is levitating – but on closer inspection, you can see that she’s actually jumping rope. Who knew that the Victorians were such athletic trendsetters?

Preparing a meal might appear to be a routine chore, but this photo reminds us of the significant changes in our daily lives over the past century. In 1915, times were very different from now. In the absence of microwaves and prepackaged meals, cooking was a laborious task that required extensive manual effort. Every stage, from peeling vegetables to grinding spices, demanded considerable time and attention. It’s remarkable to contemplate how people managed to sustain themselves then!

This woman is at her sweet sixteen in this image, so it’s hard to believe she’ll turn 80 in 2023. She exudes elegance and grace, and it’s clear that she was born with natural beauty! Looking at this photo is like stepping back in time to an era of innocence and youth, where the style was completely different from what the youth wear today. She has a classy and elegant look.

There’s something about old photographs that captures our attention, even if we’ve never met the people or experienced the moments depicted. This photo from 1925 of an officer halting traffic to make way for a cat carrying her kitten across the street is a perfect example. It’s a snapshot of a fleeting moment in time, yet it speaks volumes about the kindness and compassion of people. We’re glad the cat made it to safety! 

Meet Camberley Kate, a true hero for man’s best friend. In this photo from 1962, we see her surrounded by stray dogs she took under her care. Kate never turned away a stray dog, and during her lifetime, she cared for more than 600 of them. Her kind heart and selflessness are truly inspiring. In a time when animal welfare was not a priority, Kate’s dedication to the well-being of these dogs was admirable.

The breathtaking photo captures Helen Konek, an Inuit girl descending into her home – an ice igloo – a true symbol of the unique culture of the Inuit people. Despite being taken over 70 years ago, this powerful image still resonates with people today, reminding us of the resilience and resourcefulness of many people’s ancestors. Helen Konek, now 91 years old, was just 17 at the time, and the igloo was built by her father, Pipqanaaq.

This photo of Clyde Hensley, taken in the early 1900s, is an interesting glimpse into the lives of those who lived deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. The remote and rugged terrain made for a challenging existence, but people like Clyde persevered. The photo captures his rugged features and simple way of life. It definitely takes hard work and resourcefulness to survive in such a harsh environment.

The year was 1971, and the world was changing. In the midst of the civil rights movement, Cheryl Browne made history as the first African-American woman to compete for the title of Miss America. The pageant had long been criticized for its lack of diversity, but Cheryl’s beauty, poise, and talent couldn’t be ignored. She won the Miss Iowa title in 1970 and went on to become a trailblazer for black women across the country.

Dolly Parton is a country music icon that has graced stages for over six decades. But this photo from the late 60s is a rare glance into her early career. Dolly is seen in a natural and youthful state, something that is not often captured in her stage persona. It’s incredible to see how much she has accomplished since this photo was taken. From writing chart-topping hits to starring in movies, Dolly’s talent knows no bounds.

Transport back in time with this charming photo of three young ladies posing with their furry companion from 1930. The fashion of the era is on full display with their flapper-style dresses and hairstyles. The photo captures the innocence and carefree nature of youth as the trio strikes a pose with their beloved dog. It was definitely a simpler time before the hustle and bustle of modern life took over.

In the midst of war’s chaos and destruction, there are still moments of tenderness and humanity that can shine through. This touching photo from 1945 captures the emotional reunion between a soldier and his daughter after the end of World War II. The relief and joy on their faces are palpable as the young girl runs to embrace her father, who has returned home from the battlefield. What a lesson to cherish every precious moment.