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Article created by: Viktorija Strelciunaite

Old photos are like mini time machines that can transport us back in time. Even though they only allow us to go 200 years back (as the first photograph dates back to 1826), nothing brings the past back to life like them, and there’s something very special and incredible about it. 

To remind us of this magic we often forget about, the Bored Panda team compiled a whole list of historical photos. Scroll down to find them below, and as always, don’t forget to upvote your favorites!

While you're at it, make sure to check out a conversation with Emily Murdoch Perkins, historian and USA Today bestselling author, Danielle Burton, history blogger at Voyager of History, and Jessica Storoschuk, historian and founder of An Historian About Town, who kindly agreed to chat with us more about history and the past.

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#1

Camberley Kate, A.k.a. Kate Ward, And Her Stray Dogs In England In 1962. She Never Turned A Stray Dog Away, Taking Care Of More Than 600 Dogs In Her Lifetime

Elderly woman with a cart full of stray dogs on a street, a vintage photo showing history up close and personal.

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    #2

    Fred Rogers Performing A "Bedside Solo Show" For 7-Year Old Beth Usher During Her Coma After Undergoing Surgery For "Rasmussen’s Encephalitis" At The John Hopkins Childrens' Hospital In Baltimore, Maryland, 1987

    Doctor using puppets to comfort young girl in hospital bed, showing vintage photos of history up close emotions and care.

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    #3

    Albert Einstein Teaching At Lincoln, The United States' First Historical Black University, 1946

    Vintage photo of Albert Einstein teaching a group of attentive students in a classroom setting.

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    #4

    An Officer Halts Traffic To Make Way For A Cat Carrying A Kitten Across The Street, 1925

    Vintage photo of a police officer directing traffic while a cat crosses the street with a captured bird in its mouth.

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    #5

    A Baby Lamb Snuggles Up To A Sleeping Boy, March 16, 1940

    Boy lying on grass with a lamb resting its head on his shoulder in a vintage photo showing history up close.

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    #6

    Mississippi's First Interracial Couple- August 3, 1970

    Vintage photo of a smiling interracial couple on their wedding day, capturing history up close with joyful expressions.

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    #7

    A Man Posing With A Donkey In His Lap, 1910s

    Vintage photo of a man in a hat sitting in a wicker chair, holding a donkey, showcasing history up close.

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    #8

    Cats Wait For The Fisherman To Return, Istanbul, 1970s

    Vintage black and white photo of multiple cats sitting by the water, capturing history up close on a pier.

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    #9

    The Italian Royal Family, 1905

    Vintage photo of a family on horseback and donkey in front of a historic building, capturing history up close.

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    #10

    Richard White Bull, Oglala Sioux, 1899

    Native American man in traditional attire holding a ceremonial object in a vintage photo showing history up close.

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    #11

    Miss America, 1924

    Vintage photo of a young woman wearing a Miss Philadelphia sash and lace dress, showcasing history up close in black and white.

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    #12

    A Photograph Of A Little Boy Carrying A Newborn Lamb, In Scotland, 1932

    Vintage photo of a young child wearing a cap and coat, holding a lamb in a rural outdoor setting.

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    #13

    During The Spanish Flu Of 1918 In California

    Group of people in vintage clothing wearing masks, showcasing history up close during a past pandemic era.

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    #14

    Portrait Of John Smith, Also Known As The White Wolf, Elderly Native American Chippewa Of Cass Lake, Minnesota, In Traditional Dress, 1914

    Elderly man in intricate beaded clothing and headband, showcasing vintage photos capturing history up close.

    (Probably born between 1822 and 1826, although presumably as early as 1784; passed in February 6, 1922)

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    #15

    Abraham Lincoln's Beloved Mutt Fido, The First Presidential Dog To Be Photographed, 1861

    Vintage black and white photo of a dog lying on a patterned fabric, showcasing history up close in detail.

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    #16

    French Soldiers Passing By A Dog Wearing Googles And Smoking A Pipe, 1915

    Vintage photo of a dog with goggles and pipe sitting as soldiers march in the background, capturing history up close.

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    #17

    Animal Therapy, 1956

    Child lying in bed with an early medical device industrial vacuum close to a pool of ducklings vintage history photo

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    #18

    "Girls In The Windows" Taken By Ormond Gigli In 1960 In NYC. The Building Was Knocked Down The Next Day

    Vintage photo of women posing in windows of a historic building with a classic car parked on the street below.

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    #19

    Three Young Boys Sit In A Wagon In A Pittsburgh Neighborhood Street, 1920-1930

    Three boys sitting together in a small vintage wagon on a city street in a historic black and white photo.

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    #20

    Roland, A 4,000 Pound Elephant Seal, Getting A Bath From His Handler At The Berlin Zoo. This Photo Was Taken In 1930

    Vintage photo showing a man interacting with a large sea lion on a snowy day, capturing history up close.

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    #21

    Unbelievably Stunning Couple (Love How Their Hands Are Clasped Together), 1960s

    Vintage photo of a well-dressed Black couple from the mid-20th century, showcasing style and history up close.

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    #22

    American Woman Welders During World War II

    Group of vintage workers in welding gear operating equipment, showcasing history up close through vintage photos.

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    #23

    The Old Cincinnati Library Before Being Demolished, 1874-1955

    Vintage photo of an expansive historic library with towering bookshelves and a person reaching for a book on a high shelf.

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    #24

    Portrait Of A Filipina/Chinese Woman From The Philippines, 1875 Photo By Francisco Van Camp

    Vintage photo of a young woman with long hair, traditional clothing, and holding a folded fan, capturing history up close.

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    #25

    A Portrait Of Hollow Horn Bear, A Man From The Brule Native American Tribe. 1907

    Vintage photo of a Native American man in traditional clothing, capturing history up close with detailed facial expression.

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    #26

    A Dog Holds Onto A Little Boy As He Tries To Retrieve A Ball In A River With His Golf Club, 1920s

    Vintage photo of a child playing golf near a pond with a large dog watching closely, showing history up close.

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    #27

    A German Immigrant Girl Waits To Be Processed At Ellis Island - New York, 1926

    Young woman wearing a headscarf and vintage clothing, captured in a historical vintage photo showing life up close.

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    #28

    Victorian Woman Who Never Cut Her Hair, 1860-1900

    Vintage photo of a woman with long hair in a dark dress posing beside a palm leaf, showcasing history up close.

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    #29

    A Soldier Shares His Food With Two Dutch Kids, 1945

    Vintage photo of a soldier smiling while two boys share a meal near military equipment, showing history up close.

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    #30

    A Mountain Boy Fetches Water From A Spring, Great Smoky Mountains, Sevier County, Tennessee, Ca. 1950

    Vintage photo of a young barefoot boy carrying a metal bucket outdoors, capturing a glimpse of history up close.

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    #31

    Soviet Peasants Listen To The Radio For The First Time, 1928

    Three people wearing headphones and listening to an early audio device in a vintage photo showing history up close.

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    #32

    Family Portrait After WW1

    Vintage photo of a woman, child in uniform, and a military coat on a hanger showcasing history up close.




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