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Inhabitants of the Warsaw ghetto await bread rations in 1943.
07/27/2025

Inhabitants of the Warsaw ghetto await bread rations in 1943.

1 March 1927 | A French Jew, Benjamin Trauger, was born in Paris. He arrived at on 15 February 1943 in a transport of 10...
07/27/2025

1 March 1927 | A French Jew, Benjamin Trauger, was born in Paris. He arrived at on 15 February 1943 in a transport of 1000 deported from Drancy. He did not survive.

14 March 1893 | A German  woman, Grete Marx Emmel, was born in Warburg. In October 1940 she was imprisoned in the intern...
07/27/2025

14 March 1893 | A German woman, Grete Marx Emmel, was born in Warburg. In October 1940 she was imprisoned in the internment camp in Gurs. In September 1942 she was deported from Drancy to Auschwitz. She did not survive.

A group of children employed by the Alabama Canning Company as oyster-shuckers at their factory in Bayou La Batre, Alaba...
07/27/2025

A group of children employed by the Alabama Canning Company as oyster-shuckers at their factory in Bayou La Batre, Alabama photographed working in February 1911. Lewis Hine noted that that their shoes were in terrible condition due to standing on the rough shells for a long time

In the 1890s, a woman in Nebraska is photographed standing in front of a modest one-story sod house, a common form of sh...
07/27/2025

In the 1890s, a woman in Nebraska is photographed standing in front of a modest one-story sod house, a common form of shelter on the Great Plains during this period. The sod house, built from layers of earth and grass, provided a sturdy and practical dwelling in the absence of timber or other building materials. The woman, dressed in simple, functional clothing, carries a binocular case and holds a shovel, though the purpose of these items in this context remains unclear. This combination of tools suggests a practical, self-sufficient lifestyle in a rural setting, where every item had its place, even if its use wasn't immediately obvious. Next to the sod house, a cook stove and chicken coop further emphasize the woman’s role in managing the household. The cook stove, an essential part of daily life, was used to prepare meals, while the chicken coop indicates a small farm operation, perhaps providing fresh eggs and poultry for the family. In many rural households of this time, women were responsible for a wide range of domestic tasks, from cooking and cleaning to tending to animals and maintaining the home. This photograph reflects the multifaceted work that women undertook, particularly in the isolated, self-reliant environments of the American frontier. The image of this woman in front of her sod house offers a glimpse into the hardships and resilience required to live on the Nebraska plains during the 1890s. The sod house itself symbolizes the difficult conditions settlers faced as they carved out homes in the harsh environment. Despite the challenges, women like this one played a critical role in sustaining their families, managing both the domestic and agricultural duties of frontier life. The photograph speaks to the strength, resourcefulness, and adaptability that were necessary for survival in a rapidly expanding, yet often unforgiving, frontier landscape.

A photograph of the Wilderness battlefield, likely taken in April 1866. Scenes such as this were found across Spotsylvan...
07/27/2025

A photograph of the Wilderness battlefield, likely taken in April 1866. Scenes such as this were found across Spotsylvania County in the aftermath of the Civil War.

“I could not live in any of the worlds offered to me — the world of my parents, the world of war, the world of politics....
07/27/2025

“I could not live in any of the worlds offered to me — the world of my parents, the world of war, the world of politics. I had to create a world of my own, like a climate, a country, an atmosphere in which I could breathe, reign, and recreate myself when destroyed by living. That, I believe, is the reason for every work of art.” ~Anaïs Nin — The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 5: 1947-1955

Mason County, Kentucky in 1908: A Glimpse into a Vibrant River Town At the turn of the 20th century, Mason County, Kentu...
07/27/2025

Mason County, Kentucky in 1908: A Glimpse into a Vibrant River Town At the turn of the 20th century, Mason County, Kentucky, and its county seat, Maysville, were thriving hubs of commerce and culture along the banks of the Ohio River. Nestled in the picturesque hills of northeastern Kentucky, Maysville stood as a testament to the era’s steamboat-driven prosperity and the enduring spirit of small-town America. Life Along the Ohio River In 1908, the Ohio River was the lifeblood of Maysville, connecting the town to major cities like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Steamboats were a common sight, their grand structures bustling with passengers and goods. The riverboats not only transported cargo like to***co, lumber, and livestock but also brought visitors and entertainment to the region, making Maysville a lively port of call. A photograph from the era, preserved by the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s Inland Rivers collection, captures a quintessential moment: a steamboat docked at Maysville, loaded with passengers ready for their journey. The scene showcases the importance of the river as both a practical transportation route and a gateway to leisure and social life. Maysville’s Economy and Culture Maysville was known for its to***co industry, with warehouses dotting the town and the surrounding countryside. Farmers brought their crops to town for auction, while local factories produced ci**rs and other to***co products. The city was also a center for the manufacturing of wrought iron, bourbon, and textiles, supporting a diverse economy that kept the community bustling. Culturally, Maysville had much to offer. Theaters and opera houses hosted performances by traveling troupes, while local musicians entertained crowds with the popular ragtime and folk tunes of the day. Churches and schools were central to the community, providing spiritual guidance and education for the next generation. The Steamboat Experience For many residents and visitors, steamboats represented more than just a means of transport—they were symbols of elegance and adventure. Passengers aboard these vessels enjoyed spacious decks, fine dining, and lively entertainment, all while taking in the stunning scenery of the Ohio River valley. A trip on a steamboat was an event in itself, whether for business, family visits, or simply a leisurely escape. The steamboat era also brought challenges, such as fluctuating river levels and the risks of collisions or boiler explosions. Despite these dangers, the allure of the steamboat endured, and Maysville remained a key stop on the river’s route. Looking Back Today, the history of Mason County in 1908 reminds us of a time when the Ohio River was central to daily life. The steamboats that graced its waters carried not only goods and passengers but also the promise of connection and progress. The image of a steamboat docked in Maysville offers a window into that vibrant past, where industry and community thrived side by side. As we reflect on this era, we are reminded of the importance of preserving such photographs and stories, ensuring that the rich history of places like Mason County continues to inspire future generations.

1 March 1908 | A Polish woman, Walentyna Aleksandrowicz (Kielanowska), was born. An actress. In from 13 May 1943. No. 44...
07/27/2025

1 March 1908 | A Polish woman, Walentyna Aleksandrowicz (Kielanowska), was born. An actress. In from 13 May 1943. No. 44734 She perished in the camp on 29 November 1943.

Crazy Horse's nephew Moses Clown, the relative that most looked like Crazy Horse. He was killed in France eleven days be...
07/27/2025

Crazy Horse's nephew Moses Clown, the relative that most looked like Crazy Horse. He was killed in France eleven days before the armistice was signed in 1918. In 1919 his body was brought home and now lays in the Clown family cemetery on the Cheyenne River rez. He was 27 years old at the time of his death.

In 1935, in the coal mining community of Scott's Run, West Virginia, a group of children from a coal miner's family was ...
07/27/2025

In 1935, in the coal mining community of Scott's Run, West Virginia, a group of children from a coal miner's family was captured in a poignant moment that reflected both the hardships and resilience of working-class families in the region. These children, likely growing up amidst the rough conditions of a coal mining town, were familiar with the realities of their parents' labor, which often involved grueling and dangerous work in the mines. Life in Scott's Run, shaped by the coal industry, was tough, with families relying on mining for their livelihoods, despite the difficult and hazardous conditions. The children in the photograph, dressed in modest clothing, represented the next generation that would grow up in the shadow of the mines, where the impact of industrial labor shaped every aspect of daily life. Many coal miner families, like those at Scott’s Run, faced economic instability, poor living conditions, and the ever-present threat of injury or death in the mines. Despite these challenges, the children’s expressions reflect a mix of innocence and curiosity, showing the contrast between their youth and the burdens that often came with being part of a working-class family in an industrial town. Captured by photographer Elmer Johnson, this image from the Library of Congress offers a glimpse into the lives of children growing up in coal mining communities during the Great Depression. It serves as a powerful reminder of the generational struggles that defined these communities, while also highlighting the strength and perseverance of families like those at Scott’s Run. The children, despite the hardships they faced, would go on to shape the future of West Virginia and the broader American working-class experience

“Last time I was down South, I walked into this restaurant. This white waitress came up to me and said, 'We don't serve ...
07/27/2025

“Last time I was down South, I walked into this restaurant. This white waitress came up to me and said, 'We don't serve colored people here.' I said, 'That's all right, I don't eat colored people.Bring me a whole fried chicken.' About that time, these three cousins came in. You know the ones I mean, Ku, Klux and Klan. They said, 'Boy, we're givin' you fair warnin. Anything you do to that chicken, we're gonna do to you.'"So I put down my knife and fork, picked up that chicken, and kissed it.” - Dick Gregory, comedian and activist (Oct. 12, 1932 - Aug. 19, 2017)

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