ADVERTISEMENT

Although we cannot get into the minds of the people waiting in a queue on a cold day in Chukotka, Soviet Union back in 1985 to get wine, or what the daredevil sky boys who built the Empire State Building in 1930-31 were thinking when balancing unsecured on the 88th floor, we can get a fairly good glimpse into the wonders of history.

Thanks to photography, a new means of visual representation that debuted in 1839 and startled the entire world, a lot of incredible moments of the past are now carved into film forever. So today we’re taking a miscellaneous history class, one you wouldn’t have skipped at school, thanks to this educational Facebook page titled “Historic Photographs.”

With almost 2.5M followers, the page is an online destination for rare historical photos and incredible stories behind them. Below we selected some of the most captivating ones, so pull your seat closer!

#1

Long Before Color-Sensitive Film Was Invented, Russian Photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky Took 3 Individual Black And White Photos, Each With A Filter (Red, Blue And Green) To Create High Quality Photos In Full Color. This Self Portrait Is Over 110 Years Old

Long Before Color-Sensitive Film Was Invented, Russian Photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky Took 3 Individual Black And White Photos, Each With A Filter (Red, Blue And Green) To Create High Quality Photos In Full Color. This Self Portrait Is Over 110 Years Old

Historic Photographs Report

Few things captivate our imagination as much as historical photographs that tell stories about people and their lives in the past. While very distant in time, they also feel somehow familiar – old photographs have a power to transcend time and space and put us in long-gone contexts, places, and situations.

#2

On August 23, 1989, About 2 Million People From Latvia, Estonia And Lithuania Formed A Human Chain That United All 3 Countries To Show The World Their Desire To Escape The Soviet Union And The Communism That Brought Only Suffering And Poverty. This Power Stretched 600 Km

On August 23, 1989, About 2 Million People From Latvia, Estonia And Lithuania Formed A Human Chain That United All 3 Countries To Show The World Their Desire To Escape The Soviet Union And The Communism That Brought Only Suffering And Poverty. This Power Stretched 600 Km

Historic Photographs Report

#3

Mary Wallace: First Female Bus Driver For Chicago Transit Authority, 1974 (Colorized)

Mary Wallace: First Female Bus Driver For Chicago Transit Authority, 1974 (Colorized)

Historic Photographs Report

According to Lisa Yaszek, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, since old photos affect our perception of time in unique ways. Yaszek is a Regents Professor of Science Fiction Studies at Georgia Tech where she researches and teaches science fiction as a global language crossing centuries, continents, and cultures. We previously spoke with her about the cultural significance of old and historical photographs and what it tells us about the way we perceive not just the past, but also the present.

They affect the way we understand time “by making abstract historical events visually concrete, giving us an emotional connection to eras we might not otherwise know very much about, exactly, through books or family stories.” Yaszek explained: “For instance, when I was looking over the photos for this article I was really taken by images of Japanese-Americans in WWII U.S. internment camps, young people protesting low wages for teachers in the Great Depression, female engineers working for the Space Race, and little kids protesting Daylight Savings Time—my own son especially appreciated that one…”

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Rosa Parks Sits At The Front Of A Bus Following The End Of Racial Segregation By The Transit Company, Circa 1965

Rosa Parks Sits At The Front Of A Bus Following The End Of Racial Segregation By The Transit Company, Circa 1965

Historic Photographs Report

#5

Stoney First Nation Member, Guide Samson Beaver With His Wife Leah And Their Daughter Frances Louise, 1907. Photo Taken By Mary Schäffer

Stoney First Nation Member, Guide Samson Beaver With His Wife Leah And Their Daughter Frances Louise, 1907. Photo Taken By Mary Schäffer

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
hcm-mccleary avatar
ScrupulousScribbler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture shows that no matter your race, gender, heritage, culture, or religion, we all share the same feeling of love and happiness when it comes to having a happy, supportive family around you

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

World War One Memorial In Vácrátót (Hungary)

World War One Memorial In Vácrátót (Hungary)

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This monument needs to be preserved to remind us, there is nothing to gain from wars. It's 2022 and people are still at it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to Yaszek, if you look closely at the subjects of historic photographs, you realize how alive they look. This is because they have a range of emotions on their faces—“from determination to silliness to fear to hope. It reminds us that historical events don’t just happen on their own—they involve real people taking real action, for better or for worse.”

#8

German Soldier Helps A Little Boy Sneak Across The Berlin Wall, 1961

German Soldier Helps A Little Boy Sneak Across The Berlin Wall, 1961

Historic Photographs Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

The Level Of Detail On The Column Of Marcus Aurelius In Rome Which Was Completed Around Ad 193

The Level Of Detail On The Column Of Marcus Aurelius In Rome Which Was Completed Around Ad 193

Historic Photographs Report

Although we may not realize that, old photos also remind us that people in the past led rich and complex lives, just as we do today. “For instance, we tend to assume that in the past, women were limited to work as wives and mothers, and we certainly see a number of images here celebrating women’s work in the home. But we also see women doing all sorts of work in the public sphere as well—everything from attending school graduations and working on supercomputers to taking back the streets of postwar London and bouncing drunks out of bars!” Yaszek explained.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Negotiation Between The Zoo Director And Escaped Chimpanzee. Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1988

Negotiation Between The Zoo Director And Escaped Chimpanzee. Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 1988

Historic Photographs Report

#11

Residents Of West Berlin Show Their Children To Their Grandparents Living In East Berlin, 1961

Residents Of West Berlin Show Their Children To Their Grandparents Living In East Berlin, 1961

Historic Photographs Report

#12

20-Year-Old Helen Mirren Dressed For Her Role As Cleopatra In A Theatrical Production, 1965

20-Year-Old Helen Mirren Dressed For Her Role As Cleopatra In A Theatrical Production, 1965

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
karahwilliams1013 avatar
KWilly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. And the fact that she aged naturally and gracefully, instead of trying to "stay young" and ruining her beauty!... I adore Helen Mirren

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

When asked whether we tend to idolize the past and vilify the present, Yaszek said that it’s true and that old photos can indeed play a part in that process. She explained: “Even as some photos help us put a personal face on big historical events, others give us very unrealistic understandings of what everyday life was really like in the past.”

#14

Us Cavalry Soldiers Pose In Front Of A Tree Known As The "Grizzly Giant" 1900. The Tree Still Stands

Us Cavalry Soldiers Pose In Front Of A Tree Known As The "Grizzly Giant" 1900. The Tree Still Stands

Historic Photographs Report

#15

Pablo Picasso Painted This When He Was 15 Years Old

Pablo Picasso Painted This When He Was 15 Years Old

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
jjjaaaa avatar
Anna Nowak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've read that he did that in order to finish art school. They wouldn't let him graduate without completing classical art course. Not sure if it's true tho.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Moreover, before the advent of digital cameras that could take and store hundreds of photos without costing users very much in terms of effort or money, photos were more expensive and difficult to create—in the 1800s, subjects had to stand still and pose to create good images.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Throughout the early and middle 20th century, good cameras were often complicated to master; and even when instant cameras made it easier for people to take decent photos at the drop of a hat in the 1970s, users had to have the money to purchase expensive film cartridges,” Yaszek explained.

#16

Lt. Col. Robert Stirm, Is Greeted By His Family, Returning Home After More Than Five Years As A Prisoner Of War In North Vietnam. Burst Of Joy Is A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photograph By Associated Press Photographer Slava "Sal" Veder, Taken On March 17, 1973 At Travis Air Force Base In California

Lt. Col. Robert Stirm, Is Greeted By His Family, Returning Home After More Than Five Years As A Prisoner Of War In North Vietnam. Burst Of Joy Is A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photograph By Associated Press Photographer Slava "Sal" Veder, Taken On March 17, 1973 At Travis Air Force Base In California

Historic Photographs Report

#17

Sailors Saluting A War Veteran, Leningrad 1989

Sailors Saluting A War Veteran, Leningrad 1989

Historic Photographs Report

#18

The Sioux Nation Of Native Americans Teepees Spread Across The Great Plains In 1800s (Image Believed To Have Been Taken In The Dakota Territory)

The Sioux Nation Of Native Americans Teepees Spread Across The Great Plains In 1800s (Image Believed To Have Been Taken In The Dakota Territory)

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
zanoni608 avatar
Patti Vance
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when ever i see these kinds of pics i think of how ignorant the white/europeans were to think that they were savages or less than them. they had/have a very unique culture and community that seemed to have far less conflict than the whites. they had a form of government that was respected. they even possessed the same kind of values and morals although they were expressed in different ways. even today there are those that think that people of another race are not as 'good' just because of racial/cultural differences.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Star Wars Characters Together From Left To Right : Han Solo, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker And R2-D2, 1977

Star Wars Characters Together From Left To Right : Han Solo, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker And R2-D2, 1977

Historic Photographs Report

#20

There Was A Time When You Could See The Core Structure Of The Twin Towers. (1970, During The Construction)

There Was A Time When You Could See The Core Structure Of The Twin Towers. (1970, During The Construction)

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
kedgley68 avatar
K- THULU
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's an incredible pic. I can't stop looking at it. It's like an x ray.....sublime.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Silent Film Actress, Delores Costello, Drew Barrymore's Grandmother, 1928

Silent Film Actress, Delores Costello, Drew Barrymore's Grandmother, 1928

Historic Photographs Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#23

A Rare Example Where An Engineer Thought About The Mechanic. (Daf-Domburg Diesel From 1949. Made In The Netherlands)

A Rare Example Where An Engineer Thought About The Mechanic.
(Daf-Domburg Diesel From 1949. Made In The Netherlands)

Historic Photographs Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

Niagara Falls Froze Over In 1883

Niagara Falls Froze Over In 1883

Historic Photographs Report

#27

The First Photo Of Chernobyl On The Morning Of The Nuclear Disaster (April 26, 1986). The Heavy Grain Is Due To The Huge Amount Of Radiation In The Air That Began To Destroy The Camera Film The Second It Was Exposed For This Photo. Photo Taken By Igor Kostin

The First Photo Of Chernobyl On The Morning Of The Nuclear Disaster (April 26, 1986). The Heavy Grain Is Due To The Huge Amount Of Radiation In The Air That Began To Destroy The Camera Film The Second It Was Exposed For This Photo. Photo Taken By Igor Kostin

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
coreysmith avatar
ellyross avatar
Eastendbird
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If anyone has not seen the mini series Chernobyl then go watch it ASAP. It is quite simply amazing and will make this photo seem all the more terrifying.

calebr avatar
Caleb R
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely! Granted, some artistic liberties were taken (the helicopter crash, for example, happened several months later from the tail-rotor getting tangled in a cable), but the liberties that were taken, such as the character of Ulana Khomyuk standing in for literally HUNDREDS of men and women, made for a compelling story..

Load More Replies...
nofxgirrl0-0 avatar
Evelyn Ann
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My fiance was 50 kilometers from there and the government told them everything was under control, there was no need for worry or evacuation. He was 8 and has a quarter sized white patch of hair on his head from then. His mom borrowed a car so they could visit family across the country, if they hadn't they may not have lived.

cinzabeary avatar
LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard. Apparently the government put on a parade to try to calm the public down.

Load More Replies...
skstonephoto avatar
Runs with scissors
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. With that much degredation in the first moments of exposure we're lucky to have any images at all.

camlynn1234 avatar
Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The series "Chernobyl" is a shocking eye opener as to what went on right before the disaster and after the meltdown, the resulting catastrophe to the humanity who lived around there. Also the sickening and cruel response of the Soviet government to the disaster. The courage of the scientists who kept up their efforts, despite the grave danger to themselves, to speak truth to power and truth to the world. If you have a chance to watch it, please do.

izzycurer avatar
Izzy Curer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like I'm going to be irradiated just looking at it

marcoconti avatar
Marco Conti
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The film started degrading well before exposure. A little shutter is not going to stop radiation.

laurakelly avatar
Laura Kelly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been trying to find a way to watch that mini series. If somebody can recommend something please let me know. I'm in the states. I have basic cable and I have HBO, Showtime and of course I can easily access YouTube. Thank you kindly.

johaning avatar
Lazy Panda
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's on HBO streaming, the title of the series is Chernobyl. It's haunting but amazingly well done.

Load More Replies...
dremosley avatar
Dre Mosley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The HBO Miniseries was amazing and if you're a reader, I highly recommend "Midnight in Chernobyl."

maritess_villar avatar
Maritess Villar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They say the place will suffocate you with it's poisonous "smells" even if you are a kilometer away from it

fatimahh2100 avatar
MonkePlayz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when I first saw it I thought it was an abandoned ship before looking at the title

bryanwithawhy2020 avatar
Bryan With A Why
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's crazy is that with the mess Chernobyl created, only about 50 people died when all was said and done. Not nearly as bad as we were all led to believe by the news...

mr-garyscott avatar
El Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just can't understand why we press on despite all the dangers and all the accidents that have happened..

juwang1992 avatar
Tatiana Kouzmanoff
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like all things, we improve our technology in leaps and bounds. Modern nuclear plants are very different. It is a viable alternative until other options advance in performance. Do you realize the waste required to produce the energy for your entire lifetime would fit inside a soda can?

Load More Replies...
jyrihakola avatar
Jyri Hakola
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That cannot be from that date. The smoke of burning graphite is missing. And the constant heavy grain is due the film. Radiation would cause a more random texture to the film.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Three Generations Of Women Outside Their Stone Cottage In Ireland 1927

Three Generations Of Women Outside Their Stone Cottage In Ireland 1927

Historic Photographs Report

#30

Nan Wood Graham And Dr. Byron Mckeeby Pictured In 1942 Recreating Their Original Poses For The Iconic ‘American Gothic’. She Was The Painter’s Sister, And He Was Their Dentist

Nan Wood Graham And Dr. Byron Mckeeby Pictured In 1942 Recreating Their Original Poses For The Iconic ‘American Gothic’. She Was The Painter’s Sister, And He Was Their Dentist

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
hcm-mccleary avatar
ScrupulousScribbler
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see the resemblance in the man, but I feel like the woman was given a more thin face, and her hair doesn't quite look the same

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

The Seal Of Tutankhamun's Tomb (On The Third Golden Shrine) Before It Was Opened In 1923. It Was Unbroken For Over 3000 Years

The Seal Of Tutankhamun's Tomb (On The Third Golden Shrine) Before It Was Opened In 1923. It Was Unbroken For Over 3000 Years

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
gangsterghost avatar
Nathaniel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was also 3000 years worth of milk bottles outside the door, and the letterbox was jammed with circulars.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Shoemaker’s Lunch, 1944. Photo By Bernard Cole

Shoemaker’s Lunch, 1944. Photo By Bernard Cole

Historic Photographs Report

#33

American Soldiers At Mass In The Rubble At Cologne Cathedral, March 1945

American Soldiers At Mass In The Rubble At Cologne Cathedral, March 1945

Historic Photographs Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#34

The FBI Finger Print Files, 1944

The FBI Finger Print Files, 1944

Historic Photographs Report

#35

A 'Knocker-Up' In London (1929). Before Alarm Clocks, People Were Paid To Wake Clients Up For Work By Knocking On Their Doors And Windows With A Stick

A 'Knocker-Up' In London (1929). Before Alarm Clocks, People Were Paid To Wake Clients Up For Work By Knocking On Their Doors And Windows With A Stick

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just as long as the Knocker-Up doesn't result in anyone being Knocked-Up. That's the job of the milkman ;-)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

An Elevator Parking Lot In Chicago, 1930s

An Elevator Parking Lot In Chicago, 1930s

Historic Photographs Report

#37

The Roof Of An Old Fiat Factory. Yes, That Is A Track (Lingotto, Turin - Italy)

The Roof Of An Old Fiat Factory. Yes, That Is A Track (Lingotto, Turin - Italy)

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's still there. It was used in the film The Italian Job. More recently is has been on an episode of Car S.O.S. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6721612/

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

A 32 Year Old Mom Trying To Start A New Life In California, March 1937

A 32 Year Old Mom Trying To Start A New Life In California, March 1937

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
deetypetersen avatar
TuesdayDangerGirl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like Florence Owens Thompson - the "Migrant Mother" photo by Dorothea Lange - actual backstory is pretty sad

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Monica Bellucci And Gianni Versace, 1995

Monica Bellucci And Gianni Versace, 1995

Historic Photographs Report

Add photo comments
POST
hallabaloo_meow avatar
Let’s All Just Try And Be Decent
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the people asking why this is relevant or historical or worth thinking about... Maybe because this man was an openly gay immigrant to America who worked hard and became hugely successful, and by all accounts was a lovely person in a loving, long term stable and happy relationship before being brutally assassinated on his own doorstep for no reason? I think there's probably a lot to learn from that in a lot of ways. Also, this picture was taken nearly 30 years ago, and he died 25 years ago, so I'm afraid that counts as the past, (history) I mean it was in a different decade, century, millennium, etc!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Residents Of Hanoi Wait In Chest-Deep Sidewalk Shelters For The All Clear Signal, During An Air Raid Alert. Hanoi, North Vietnam, 1967

Residents Of Hanoi Wait In Chest-Deep Sidewalk Shelters For The All Clear Signal, During An Air Raid Alert. Hanoi, North Vietnam, 1967

Historic Photographs Report

Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.