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Before cameras, history was told through words, paintings, and fading memories. But with their invention, we gained something remarkable—the ability to capture moments exactly as they were. Now, we can look back and see life in stunning detail, from everyday moments to world-defining events.

One of the best places to find rare and fascinating images from the past is the subreddit r/Historycord, home to the largest partnered history server on Discord. We’ve gathered some of their most intriguing posts below—explore them, upvote your favorites, and if you’re curious to learn more about the group, don’t miss our conversation with its head admin. Enjoy!

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    #2

    Firefighters Protecting The General Sherman, The Largest Tree In The World, From A Wildfire

    Firefighters wrapping a giant sequoia tree base with protective foil, historical preservation techniques in nature.

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    With 76,000 members on Reddit and nearly 20,000 on Discord, Historycord describes itself as a community for “people who live and breathe history.” What sets the group apart is its dedication to accuracy—it doesn’t just encourage members to share interesting historical photos and videos but also to analyze, critique, and improve their knowledge.

    #5

    Jesse Owens, An American Athlete, In London Following His Four Gold Medals At The 1936 Berlin Olympics

    Smiling person in a vintage pinstripe suit and hat, holding a briefcase, exiting a historical train with others.

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    #6

    German Soldiers React To Footage Of Concentration Camps, 1945

    Historical photo of soldiers in uniforms sitting in rows, some covering their faces with hands.

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    Ellinor
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not all German soldiers were bad people. My great-grandfather lived in Lorraine, he could join the German army, or die. He was sent to the battle of Stalingrad and miraculously survived.

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    Bored Panda reached out to the team behind Historycord and spoke with Pablo, the senior administrator and de facto head of the subreddit.

    He explained that the group first began as a Discord server—now the largest history-focused server on the platform—before expanding to Reddit.

    “We created this subreddit to grow that community at first, but now it has blossomed into something much larger than we had ever imagined,” he told us.

    #7

    A Woman In The 1950’s Standing Next To A Redwood Tree

    A person stands beside a giant tree trunk, with a vintage car in the background, showcasing historical living decades ago.

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    #8

    My Great Grandfather Wrote This Letter To My Grandfather. He Was K**led 8 Days Later

    Typed letter from March 30, 1944, sharing insights on how people lived decades ago during wartime.

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    #9

    Satchel Paige At His Final Pro Baseball Game In Which He Pitched 3 Scoreless Innings For The Kansas City A’s In 1965 At The Age Of 59. An Easy Chair And A Nurse Were Provided In The Bullpen

    Man in a baseball uniform sitting in a rocking chair, with a nurse and another person holding a cap nearby, showcasing historical living.

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    Pablo may be one of the most qualified history subreddit admins out there. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and is currently pursuing a master’s in education.

    “I have found this subreddit to be surprisingly helpful in structuring my future career, and I am now particularly fascinated in archivism and the National Archives and Records Administration,” he shared. “I like the mesh of edutainment that this server provides, which I believe blends both aspects into a unique and lax environment.”

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    #10

    B-17 Ball Turret Gunner Alan Magee, Who Fell 22,000 Feet Without A Parachute, Landing On The Glass Roof Of St. Nazaire Train Station, Breaking It Through. He Suffered Multiple Injuries, Including A Broken Leg And A Badly Cut Arm, But He Lived. January 3, 1943

    Gun turret with person inside, showcasing historical photos of life decades ago.

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    dan gerene
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is another story where the tail gunner jumped without a chute because the plane was on fire and the tail position was too tight for a chute and his chute was already on fire where he kept it. He lived.

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    #11

    Last Surviving Wooden Door From The Gas Chambers At Auschwitz. For Millions Of Jews, It Was The Last Door They Ever Saw

    Historic wooden door displayed in a glass case, showcasing how people lived decades ago.

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    #12

    Burbank High School Parking Lot In Burbank, California 1966

    Vintage cars parked in a retro-styled lot, showcasing historical lifestyle from decades ago.

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    Tamra
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know it's just me, but older cars seem to have so much more personality than newer models. Then again, I like old things.

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    Ensuring historical accuracy on social media is no easy task, but it’s more important than ever.

    According to the American Historical Association, 26% of people use social media to learn about the past, with that number rising to 35% among those aged 18-29. Meanwhile, TikTok videos labeled #history have collected over 135 billion views.

    Given these numbers, it’s refreshing to see a community like Historycord take its role seriously and promote critical thinking.

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    #13

    American Activist Rachel Corrie, 23, Stands Between An Israeli Bulldozer And A Palestinian House On March 16, 2003, In Rafah In The Gaza Strip. Corrie Was Run Over And Killed By An Israeli Bulldozer As She Protested The Demolition Of Palestinian Houses. (2003)

    Person in a red jacket with megaphone stands beside a large historical bulldozer outside a building.

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    #14

    Sharon Tate Photographed By Jack Garofalo In Cannes, 1968

    Woman in blue bikini enjoying a sunny day at a beach, capturing historical lifestyle moments from decades ago.

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    Lynn Dougherty Quin
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor girl could never have imagined the evil. mindless horror that would snuff out not only her life but the life of her unborn child only a year after this photo was taken. It's a crime that haunts people even today.

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    “Social media is quite good for self-education,” Pablo said. “And I believe the main reason for this is due to the social networking that it promotes. Unlike a website or news board, forums, discussion boards, and social media sites like Reddit and Discord will usually have near-instantaneous critical analysis on any number of claims made by a user.”

    “This allows for quick responses in an environment that promotes rapid intellectual equity and personal growth, which I have found extremely useful throughout my experience.”

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    #16

    Department Store Workers On Their Lunch Break, Chattanooga, Tn, 1905

    Three women in vintage dresses sitting on a rooftop, tipping their hats, showcasing historical fashion from decades ago.

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    #18

    My Dad On Shore Leave - Malaysia In 1940 At 17 Years Old

    Vintage photo of a sailor in uniform sitting on a classic AJS motorcycle, showcasing historical lifestyles.

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    Richard Graham
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The AJS motorcycle (seen here) is a British firm. "AJS" stands for A. J. Stevens & Co. Ltd. The company was founded by Joe Stevens in Wolverhampton, England. AJS also made cars and radios. The name continued to be used by Matchless, Associated Motorcycles and Norton-Villiers on four-stroke motorcycles until 1969, and since the name's resale in 1974, on lightweight, two-stroke scramblers and today on small-capacity roadsters and cruisers. The company held 117 motorcycle world records.

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    If r/Historycord has piqued your interest, Pablo highly recommends checking out the community’s Discord server.

    “I would invite you to explore our Discord server to learn more about how our subreddit’s social attitudes were formed, leading to this unique culture on a website such as Reddit,” he said.

    #19

    When She Was 23, Rosemary Kennedy, The Sister Of Jfk And Rfk, Had A Forced Lobotomy Arranged By Her Father. The Surgery Left Her Incapacitated For The Rest Of Her Life

    Smiling woman in a vintage hat and dress, holding a cigarette, capturing a historical moment from decades ago.

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    #21

    Anne Frank's Father, Otto Frank, With Other Soldiers In 1915

    Four soldiers in historical uniforms pose in front of a building, showcasing life decades ago.

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    Fullo Shit
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He fought for the Country, risked his life for the Country, that later killed his whole family...

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    #23

    Joe Dimaggio, Age 20, Enjoying Some Of His Mother Rosalie's 1936 Spaghetti

    Elderly woman in apron smiling at seated man with pasta, revealing historical living moments.

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    #26

    Two Kids Discovered A 1974 Ferrari Dino Buried In Their Backyard While Playing In 1978

    Historical photo of a classic car being excavated from the ground while people observe from behind a wall.

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    #28

    A Burger King Located In Manhattan, New York, Offered Free Internet Access To Customers In 1998

    Man in a vintage internet cafe using a computer, surrounded by fast food, capturing historical lifestyle decades ago.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine how nasty those keys would get from typing while you're eating.

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    #29

    A Business Excursion Riding Through Death Valley In Search Of The Mineral Borax, Sometime In The 1890's

    Historical photo of a horse-drawn wagon train crossing a vast desert landscape with mountains in the background.

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    #32

    Lunch Menu From R.h. Macy & Co, New York, 1917. All Prices Are In Cents

    Meatless menu from R.H. Macy & Co., showcasing historical meal options and prices from decades ago.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Meatless menu"? Really? I'll have the hot roast turkey seeing as though I am vegetarian...

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    #33

    In August 2017, An Unexploded American 1,000 Pound B**b (450 Kg) Was Discovered At The Site Of The Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

    A group of people safely removing a large historical bomb, revealing past living conditions decades ago.

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    TotallyNOTAFox
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, we find a lot of those around here in Germany too from time to time

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    #34

    Edmund Kemper, A Serial [Criminal], In California Medical Center In The Early 2000s With Two Prison Guards

    Historical photo of a tall man with arms outstretched between two officers in a hallway, showcasing people decades ago.

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    #35

    Dicky Chappelle Was A War Correspondent And Combat Photographer Covering Iwo Jima, Okinawa, And The Hungarian Uprising Of 1954. She Was Kia While Patrolling With The Marines On 4 Nov 1965. Dicky Was Only 47 At Time Of Her Death

    Man in camouflage with a camera, wearing glasses and a hat, sitting outdoors, representing a historical photo theme.

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    Deborah
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    KIA. A lot of acronyms and initialisms just don't make sense when you use lower case letters. I first read "Kia" as a name.

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    #36

    Legendary Actor James Stewart On The Phone As His Father Alexander Serves A Customer At His Family’s Hardware Store In Indiana, Pennsylvania. Photograph Taken By Peter Stackpole In 1945. “J.m. Stewart & Co. Hardware Store” Was Established By James Stewart’s Grandfather In 1853

    Three men in a historical shop setting, one in military uniform, engaging in conversation with vintage items around.

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    dan gerene
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An actor who could have stayed home and made movies but instead fought for his country. Unlike John Wayne and Ronald Reagan.

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    #37

    University Of Wisconsin-Madison Dorm Room In Chadbourne Hall In 1898

    Woman arranging items in a vintage room, showcasing historical household decor and lifestyle from decades ago.

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    #39

    This Was My Grandmother She Was Born In 1886 And Passed Away In 1974

    A woman standing beside a vintage car, showcasing historical fashion and everyday life from decades ago.

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    #40

    Partiers In New York City On New Year's Eve, As 1941 Turns To 1942

    Group of people in military uniforms socializing at a table, capturing historical moments from decades ago.

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    #41

    Christmas In Wisconsin, Ca. 1900

    Children with dolls by a decorated Christmas tree in a vintage room, showcasing historical living decades ago.

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    Emma London
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The girl in the left just head that that they would earn candy for posing. The one in the left still isn't sure about this.

    #42

    Tragedy By The Sea, 1954. Showing A Married Couple Standing On A Beach Moments After Learning Their 19-Month-Old Son Disappeared

    Couple dancing on a beach, capturing historical lifestyle moments from decades ago.

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    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't imagine what that feels like. I remember the feeling when I thought I'd lost my dog, the way my heart skipped a beat, and this must be thousands of times worse.

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    #43

    Having A Little Fun On The Beach In 1940

    Women posing creatively on a beach in vintage swimwear, illustrating historical lifestyles decades ago.

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    #44

    Female Worker Bottling Ketchup At The Heinz Factory. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 1897

    A woman in vintage attire operates machinery in a historic bottling plant, surrounded by shelves of glass bottles.

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    Richard Graham
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Read the book "The Good Provider". H.J. Heinz ran an extremely clean and sanitary factory. For his time, he treated his employees very well, even giving every female employee a free weekly manicure. The H.J. Heinz Factory (in my city Pittsburgh) is just beautiful. It is now pricey condos. Heinz_Buil...b94533.jpg Heinz_Buildings_2015-06-28_02-679e6bdb94533.jpg

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    #46

    Dal Gulley’s General Store In Claiborne County, Tennessee Ca 1949

    Vintage store scene showing people from decades ago interacting and engaging in a lively, historical setting.

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    #47

    A Us Federal Records Center, Shielded Underneath Thousands Of Tons Of Stone Deep Within A Limestone Cave

    Historical photo of a large archive room with endless shelves filled with documents, showcasing how people organized records decades ago.

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    #48

    New York City, 1900

    Bustling historical street scene showcasing how people lived decades ago, with a crowded market and vintage attire.

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    #49

    Menu From Barnum’s Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland In 1863

    Historical breakfast menu from Barnum's Hotel in 1863, featuring various meats, eggs, breads, and breakfast wines.

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    #50

    Mom And Dad In 1955 After They Started Dating. Picture Taken On Lake Winnipesaukee New Hampshire

    Two people in vintage attire posing by a lake, embodying how people lived decades ago.

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know how the stereotype goes Americans can’t pronounce Worcestershire, as a uk dweller how do you pronounce that lakes name?

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    #52

    Hundreds Of B-17 Flying Fortresses Awaiting The Scrap Heap, 1946

    Historic photo of countless military airplanes lined up on a field, illustrating past aviation practices.

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    R.A. Haley
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the stupidest things we ever did. It took us years to recover from that blunder and make more planes.

    #53

    When Mcdonald’s Introduced The Quarter Pounder, 1973

    Vintage McDonald's billboard with a large burger and 1960s cars, showcasing historical advertising methods.

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    Richard Graham
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Al Bernardin, a McDonald's franchisee, introduced the Quarter Pounder in 1971 at his Fremont, California locations. The burger was added to the national menu in 1973.

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