40 Rare Photos Every History Buff Should See

The First Photograph Ever Taken, 1826 or 1827

This photograph provides a unique window into the past. Dating back to 1826 or 1827, this is said to be the world’s earliest surviving photograph. To someone living today, it might look rather unremarkable – just a view of rooftops peeking out through trees. Yet its importance can’t be overstated – before this, there had been no permanent means of capturing images. The person responsible for this innovation was Nicéphore Niépce, a French inventor who almost lost his invention forever. Fortunately for us, he managed to preserve it and keep alive the earliest physical proof that humans were tinkering with photography long before we knew it’d become the ubiquitous part of our lives it is today.

Houdini’s Great Escape

The historic photo of Harry Houdini, taken on April 30th 1908, is a remarkable glimpse into one of his legendary death-defying performances. At the time, he vowed to jump 30 feet into the Charles River while securely linked by handcuffs and a collar. This was just one of many feats in the spectacular career of Houdini, who mesmerized and titillated audiences with his acts of physical endurance, skill, and audacity. Although this wasn’t his most famous stunt – that title belongs to him escaping from a water-filled milk can – it demonstrates how masterful he was at captivating onlookers with incredible passion and nerve.

The Beastie Boys chasing Madonna with squirt guns (1985)

This rare photo from 1985 captures the iconic moment of The Beastie Boys chasing Madonna around the stage with squirt guns. As the first female to enter the male-dominated world of rap, Madonna was met with a lot of criticism. However, her collaboration with The Beastie Boys on their hit single, “Girls” served as an example of women’s empowerment as they actively embraced and supported her during this rare performance. This bubbly and lightheartedness on stage perfectly captured their unique dynamic, providing a rare glimpse into when three music legends joined forces for a lasting impact on history.

The ‘Friends’ Cast Before They Were Famous

Back in the ’90s though, groups of friendly acquaintances caught up with their high school and college buddies on their TVs every Thursday night courtesy of Friends. From 1994 to 2004, the show that starred Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer captivated audiences from all over the world. This iconic cast grew up before our eyes as the seasons progressed and now thanks to social media we can take a trip down memory lane! These photos capture them when they were young and fresh-faced and it’s dismaying to think so many years have past since then – and yet some of them look very identical to how they appeared back then!

A Lone Man Who Refused to Do the Nazi Salute, 1936

August Landmesser’s defiant act against the Nazi regime in Hamburg on June 13, 1936 is marked in history as an act of resistance. While attending a rally of the Blohm & Voss shipyard with his wife, who was wearing the Star of David, Landmesser refused to raise his arm and make the ‘Sieg Heil’ salute. He spoke out against the National Socialist Party and was subsequently arrested for six months due to his “dishonorable” behavior. This famous picture offers us a glimpse into one person’s courageous opposition towards Nazi rule. Despite potential repercussions, Landmesser bravely stood up for what he believed in and continues to be remembered for his heroism today.

Organizers Trying to Stop Kathrine Switzer From Competing

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer made history by becoming the first woman to finish the Boston Marathon. Even more impressively, she accomplished her goal despite an attempt by race organizers to stop her from competing before she even started. A now-iconic photograph shows two race organizers attempting to physically remove Switzer from the race just moments after she crossed the starting line. However, they were unsuccessful in stopping her. Having registered with the initials ‘K. V. Switzer’, organizers were unaware of her gender until it was too late! She continued running and finished with a time of 4 hours and 20 minutes – not bad considering the extra struggle she faced! Thanks to Switzer’s tenacity, women are now allowed to compete in long-distance running events worldwide.

West Berlin Parents Show Children to their Grandparents who Live on the Eastern Side, 1961

In 1961, the Berlin Wall had already been standing tall for two years, preventing travel and communication between East Berlin and West Berlin. However, that did not stop families from reuniting when they could; this historic photo captures a tender moment between grandparents and grandchildren in West Berlin who were reuniting temporarily. Making the best of limited opportunities, these families chose to come together in hopes of preserving their familial love despite the divide between them. The warm expressions of those present in the photo are a testament to their resilience; though physical walls separate them, their spirits remain undivided.

The Remains of the Heroic Astronaut who Fell from Space, 1967

The photo of Vladimir Komarov and his remains is a solemn reminder of the dangers of space exploration. Komarov was the first human to die while in space, aboard the Soyuz 1 mission launched in 1967. He was an experienced cosmonaut and had trained for over 8 years; but, when Soyuz 1 launched, it did so with several flaws that eventually caused its fatal crash returning home to Earth. At some point, Komarov knew he would likely not survive and yet still completed his duties faithfully until the very end. His ultimate sacrifice pushed us further in our knowledge of space technology, even if it cost him his life.

A Mother Showing Her Son’s Picture to a Returning Prisoner Of War, 1947

At Vienna’s Southern Railway Station, one legendary photo forever captured a particularly heartbreaking scene in 1947. In the image, a mother could be seen showing a photograph of her son to a former prisoner of war returning home after years spent in captivity. The mid-20th century was full of horror and tragedy, and those who were able to make it back home alive were met with immense emotion on the part of their families – this Austrian woman and her response is no exception.

Man Casually Sitting Next to the First Atomic Bomb, 1945

This is a remarkable photograph of the first atomic bomb, taken in 1945. It’s an iconic image that remains one of the strongest symbols of the atomic age. But as striking and intimidating as it looks, interestingly, a man can be seen casually sitting beside it. The juxtaposition of this powerful weapon alongside a seemingly relaxed human figure serves to remind us how important it is for us to remember the casualties of war, and understand the devastating consequences modern warfare can have on innocent lives. Even though we move forward with technology and weaponry becoming increasingly more powerful and destructive, let us never forget to keep our humanity at the heart of all decisions we make.

King and Queen Reviewing a Troop of British Scouts, 1939

As April 23 marks the feast day of St. George, the patron saint of the Scouting movement, King George IV and Queen Elizabeth of Britain chose to honor the occasion with a special celebration in 1939. In this picture taken at Windsor Castle, we see the royals taking a stroll across their grounds to meet with a troop of Scouts shortly before their service at St. George’s Chapel. This was surely an exciting event for both the Scouts and the members of British royalty alike; what better way to recognize St. George’s Day than by coming together to celebrate his legacy?

The Beatles Goofing off with Mohammed Ali, 1964

This lighthearted moment between Mohammed Ali and the Beatles in 1964 is a reminder of the lasting impact both iconic figures have made on history. While their paths diverged after this shot was taken, it captures a special moment in time where two forces of nature were simultaneously entering the spotlight. Ali had recently changed his name from Cassius Clay, fresh off his win at the heavyweight boxing championship in 1962, while the Beatles had just released their first single and were gaining traction with their new music. It’s no wonder why this once-in-a-lifetime photo opp quickly became an important relic for fans of both talents!

Audrey Hepburn Completing Her Name on the Marquee

Audrey Hepburn was already an acclaimed actress in 1951, having charmed her way into fans’ hearts with her role opposite Gregory Peck in the classic thriller, “Roman Holiday” just two years prior. By that time, she was already one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars – so much so that, in this sweet snapshot taken outside of her gig at the Capitol Theater, she takes a moment to bask in her own fame and commemorate her Broadway debut (as ‘Mrs. Gaston Lachaille’) by completing the marquee. It’s a touching portrait of success early on in Hepburn’s career – one that would only expand over the next several decades – showing off how defined by grace and poise she was at an early stage.

A Guardsman Fainted During a Ceremony, 1966

This photo vividly shows the discipline and commitment of the Queen’s Guard despite a sudden setback. The steadfastness of the guards combined with their iconic red uniforms and tall, furry hats makes for an impressive sight to behold – even more so when one of them suddenly faints on duty during a ceremony. Despite inheriting centuries-old traditions, the guard kept their composure like the disciplined forces they are known to be and continued with the ceremony as if nothing had happened. This remarkable scene is truly an encapsulating example of dedication, responsibility, and determination in one unit.

Black Officer Protecting a KKK member, 1983

This seemingly unlikely picture shows a Black police officer shielding a Ku Klux Klan member from protesters during a rally, representing the dedication and responsibility that public servants are held to in upholding law and order. Although the officer we see here is personally familiar with the KKK’s history of racism and persecution, he still performs his duty with professionalism. This photo not only reveals that justice is achieved by those who never give up on their convictions, even in hostile situations, but also serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to safety under the law. Truly, this is a moment – and an individual – worthy of admiration.

North and South Korean Families Briefly Unite after 57 Years

The moment captured in this photo is so powerful: Two brothers separated by the Korean War 57 years ago, being allowed to reunite for just a few short moments. The emotion is evident on both their faces, one of joy and bittersweet sorrow. Though the older brother is crying, there’s so much beauty in his farewell gesture – raising his hand as the bus they’ve been temporarily reunited on moves away. It’s a reminder of the cruel times we’ve gone through, but it’s also a sign of hope that someday reunifications like this can last longer, and new memories will be able to be made.

Bill Gates’ Mugshot

This photograph captures a moment in the life of Bill Gates when he was arrested for driving without a license in 1977. He looks rather nonchalant about it – as if he’s taking part in something that the law hails as an infraction, but which is no big deal to him. It’s typical of Bill to be so relaxed. After all, this was before he was even close to becoming one of the most influential and powerful names in the tech world, let alone almost the entire world. As humorous as the photo may look, unauthorized vehicle usage is a ticketable offense, and Bill Gates paid his dues like everyone else then!

Patrick Swayze Dressed in Drag

Patrick Swayze had already cemented his place in audiences hearts as a leading man, but he was never one to do the same thing twice. With To Wong Foo, he threw caution to the wind and accepted a role that was completely different than any he had ever taken on before – a drag queen. Times were very different in 1995, and for a leading man of his caliber it was seen as quite an eyebrow-raising move. But he didn’t mind; reviews praised his performance saying that it was “nothing less than heroic” even though he reportedly had to lock himself away with his wife during its release in order to avoid being mobbed by women. Talk about legendary!

Bill Murray Playing a Scene from “Where The Buffalo Roam,” 1980

Bill Murray’s turn as Hunter S. Thompson in the 1980 movie Where The Buffalo Roam offered a vivid portrait of one of the most iconic figures in the arts. Thompson was an artist and writer whose uncompromising style knew no bounds and his presence continues to be felt by modern day creatives striving for a similar level of defiance against the status quo. Where The Buffalo Roam and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas each draw inspiration from Thompson’s works, but where latter is an ode to insanity, the former plays it straighter – making it an essential watch for any fan who hasn’t yet seen it.

St. Louis Cardinals’ Bob Gibson pitched 13 shutouts, 1968

Bob Gibson was a force to be reckoned with! After going 23-7 in the regular season for the St. Louis Cardinals, he earned 13 shutouts, an astounding number for the pitcher and MLB Hall of Famer. Topping it off with a 1.12 earned run average (ERA) during the 1968 season, Gibson made quite an impression on baseball fans everywhere. This photo clearly displays his intense concentration and focus as he threw his way to success – a reminder of why many consider him one of baseball’s greatest when it comes to pitching stats!

Underwater Detonation of a Nuclear Bomb

The Baker Test of Operation Crossroads was one of the first nuclear detonation tests that incorporated public spectators and the press. Occurring in the Pacific in Bikini Atoll, this now iconic photo captures the moment of an underwater nuclear detonation on July 25th, 1946. The purpose of this test – and the eventual follow-up tests – was to investigate the effect of a nuclear weapon on ships and armor plating. Prior to this test, the thought was that solid steel present within ships would be able to protect sailors from a possible attack via atomic or nuclear weaponry, but these experiments suggested otherwise: rendering any kind of protective measure nearly useless against such deadly weapons.

Testing a Bullet-Proof Vest, 1923

The 1923 photograph of a bullet-proof vest prototype being tested in Washington D.C. shows two courageous men getting shot at with real bullets to prove a point. The unlikely heroes, W.H Murphy, and his assistant, wielded the awesome burden to demonstrate the effectiveness of their invention that would protect police officers from harm. The demonstration arranged by the Protective Garment Corporation of New York that day no doubt left an impression on the observing officers and could have been one of the greatest pieces of advertisement any company could ask for. Needless to say, sacrificing your own body as research is a true testament to the commitment, and it was an incredible accomplishment for this small New York corporation in 1923!

NYC Parents Supporting their LGBT Kids, 1974

This photo captures an incredible moment in history – when a group of parents took to the streets of NYC in 1974 to support their LGBT kids amidst a society that wasn’t so accepting of them. It was almost unheard of at the time, and it’s inspiring to see people coming together like this long before any federal government endorsement was in place for LGBTQ+ human rights protection. It’s even more powerful knowing that today, many parents still struggle with acceptance and don’t show such open love and support to their children. This photo serves as a reminder that we must continue to strive towards understanding and embracing each other regardless of our differences.

Princess Diana Breaking Royal Rules at a School Event

Princess Diana may have been a royal, but she definitely didn’t always follow the rules. This photo of her breaking one of those rules is pretty incredible! Typical for the Royals at the time was to stay distant and untouched by normal everyday activities, including sports and athletic events. However, in this photo, we can see a glowing Diana on the racetrack taking part in her son William’s school sports day – disregarding all royal protocol. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like she took home any victory that day either; but it’s clear that having fun was what mattered to Princess Di.

Philippe Petit walks between the Twin Towers on a Tightrope, 1974

Phillips Petit had some serious ambition at the ripe age of 24. While most young adults are still figuring out what they want to do in life, he was already making history between the Twin Towers. Balance and poise still speak to our core during this harrowing representation of humanity and drive to achieve something extraordinary. Petit did an astounding job with his balancing act up in 1,300 feet in the air, leaving us all astounded. His ambition could have projected him to great heights no matter where it took him, only he claims that it was more of a compulsion than anything else. He states there’s really no ‘why’ but rather a deep desire that couldn’t be resisted.

Women in Iran Shortly before the Islamic Revolution

It’s incredible to see the scenes of carefree fun in this photo taken a few months before Iran’s Islamic Revolution. The beachgoers shown seem relaxed and happy, especially the women wearing revealing bathing suits – something that today would be considered completely unacceptable. One woman stands out particularly. She is playing guitar serenely close to the edge of the frame with a look of contentment on her face. It really looks like they were enjoying that moment in time before major changes came. The picture certainly shows us how much things have altered in Iran over the past forty-plus years since the revolution began.

Wendy’s Ad from 1980

It’s hard to forget this classic Wendy’s ad from the 1980s! Even today, it remains one of the most memorable commercials of all time. The bright colors, lively dancers, and catchy song capture the fun and cheerful atmosphere found in all Wendy’s locations. Along with touting the freshness of their hamburgers, this ad celebrates what has become a near-iconic part of fast food culture: square shaped burgers. From its very beginnings, Wendy’s has always been a place that offers something special that can’t be found anywhere else.

Bob Marley with Bunny Wailer and Peter Tos, 1964

It’s hard to believe from just one look at this 1964 photo of Bunny Wailer, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh that these three men would go on to make reggae music history. This image captures the earliest iteration of The Wailers as a band that originated in Jamaica during the early ’60s. Sharp-eyed fans will notice the individual instruments each member is playing, with Marley on guitar, Tosh handling keyboards, and Wailer taking care of drums. The trio played rocksteady and early reggae gigs, but had to go their own ways in 1974 following a disagreement concerning what type of venues they wanted to play. Nevertheless, Marley, Tosh and Wailer would all go on to become famous solo acts credited with putting Jamaican reggae on the map.

John Lennon’s psychedelic Rolls-Royce Phantom V and George Harrison’s Mini Cooper S.

While John Lennon chose a more cheeky, rebellious approach to decorating his Rolls Royce Phantom V with psychedelia, George Harrison opted for something a little bit more peaceful and serene. His 1966 Mini Cooper S was decorated with art inspired by the philosophy of Tantra. Much less controversial than Lennon’s choices, this decision came from a much different side of Harrison: his desire for peace and love. This comes as no surprise from the self-proclaimed “biggest lunatic around” whose memorable quote describing himself was: “I’m completely comical, you know? I like craziness”. Clearly, peace and love were always at the heart of what it meant to be one of the Beatles.

Arnold Schwarzenegger between two Giants, 1984

This iconic photo was taken on the set of Conan the Destroyer, a 1984 sequel to Arnold’s breakout hit, Conan the Barbarian. Premiering in theaters in June of that year, the movie made an attempt to capitalize on its predecessor’s success by adding in larger-than-life characters and villains, such as a mirror wizard that turns into a giant bird and captures a princess. While scores praised Schwarzenegger’s performance as “The Destroyer,” many moviegoers found that this was not enough to redeem the questionable plot points and poor casting choices – many would soon forget about Conan 2 despite its star-studded cast. The photo remains, however, an immortal reminder of one of Hollywood’s strangest triumphs.

Blues Legend “Lightnin” Hopkins, 1961

The photo of Samuel John “Lightnin” Hopkins from 1961 captures a blues legend whose work has been largely overshadowed. Despite his lack of big hits, Hopkins’ influence on American music is undeniable. Growing up in rural Centerville, Texas, he was exposed to the folk blues which inspired him to play guitar at a young age. Unfortunately, he had to take a break in the ’30s when he spent time in prison but upon release, he headed to Los Angeles to record for Aladdin Records. The self-taught player returned to Houston and mainly stayed there while continuing to craft his own sound of jazz and country.

Batman Cast Behind-the-Scene, 1966

It’s no surprise that the 1966 Adam West Batman series managed to draw some big stars to their set – even Jerry Lewis, believe it or not. While he didn’t land the role of classic villain The Joker in the show, viewers were treated to a special one-time appearance from him during the episode “The Bookworm Turns”. In this scene, Batman and Robin are walking up a building and who do they happen to see popping out from one of the windows? If you guessed Jerry Lewis, then you nailed it! This funny cameo was just another example of how the 1960s Batman brought together both iconic villains with bigger-than-life actors like Lewis.

Hippie Haters Protesting, 1960s

The hippie movement of the 1960s was a huge cultural phenomenon, antithetical to the norms of most people at the time. Though they achieved great progress in discourse around issues like pacifism, civil rights and freedom of expression, many members of older generations rejected their rebellious behavior and appearances. The photo shown here gives us a glimpse into this divide – an unsettling reminder that for all the good that hippies did during one of the most tumultuous decades in modern history, they were still generally met with animosity by those stuck in traditional values.

The Burning Monk, 1963

This was a powerful image that captured the world’s attention. In 1963, Malcolm Browne arrived in Saigon and as soon as he saw Thich Quang Duc occupying a street corner, surrounded by activists, his sensitivity for news kicked in and he realized what was about to transpire. As bystanders watched with horror, two fellow monks tipped a lever of fuel over the elderly man’s robe and lit him up with dramatic poise. Browne took pictures several seconds apart, capturing an act of protest that had an immediate effect on global attitudes towards the Ngo Dinh Diem administration in South Vietnam. His immortalizing photograph is still an enduring example of non-violent civil resistance.

From fascinating images that capture some of history’s most important moments to those that provide us with glimpses into everyday life long ago, these rare historical photos offer us invaluable insights into our past – insights that can help us better understand our present and future too! Whether you’re curious about what life looked like during historic events or want to get up close and personal with some rarely seen artifacts from ancient civilizations, these 40 rare historical photos are sure to give you plenty of food for thought!