History photos

Pictures hold something truly special—a speck of time that once was and shall never be again. They’re the closest thing we have to a time machine, allowing us to glimpse through a window of film and into the past.

These colorized versions of black and white photographs allow you to look at a piece of history with a different eye.

At first, Jeff Widener was annoyed by the man entering his shot. Little did he know that he was about to make one of the most iconic photos in history.

Explore Red Army WW2's 9818 photos on Flickr!

Often our knowledge and perceptions of the past are challenged, especially as rare photos finally reach the surface. We discover new things about political figures, icons of popular culture, and even gain insights into old practices and important historical events… Pictured here is Walt Disney when he unveiled his plans for Disneyland on national television, October 27, 1954.

A blast from the past! Since time machines have not yet been invented, our only way to peer back in time, at people and events in the distant past and the not-so-distant past, is to look at photographs that were taken at the time.

"A French girl finds three admirers from the ranks of American forces who have made a speedy and successful advance through Normandy, France on June 22, 1944. From left to right,Private Robert D. Furra, Private Willie Johnson and Private C.K. Jones." Herald Dispatch.

Paratroopers are a common part of modern warfare, it's hard to imagine a modern army without an airborne or air assault element. This form of combat was

Construction Workers Lunchtime 1931 St Johns Bridge N. Portland Oregon historic bw photo by Ray Atkeson