History

March 6, 2018

How an Early 1900s Photographer Helped Change America as We Know It

Following in the footsteps of Jacob Riis, American photographer and sociologist Lewis Hine used his camera to spark social change. In fact, his work helped ensure American child labor laws were enacted in the early 20th century. Inspired by early fine art photographers like Alfred Stieglitz, his images are a mix of artistry and photojournalism.

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December 12, 2017

Scholars Create Precise Rendition of What Ancient Greek Music Sounded Like

So far, researchers have managed to learn a lot about ancient Greek culture by interpreting the surviving fragments of age-old pot decorations, mosaics, paintings, and statues. From these discoveries we’ve been able to learn that music played an integral part in the lifestyle of ancient Greece. Artwork dating from around 750 to 400 BC often details scenes of music being played at social occasions, such as parties and funerals.

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November 6, 2017

Future Prediction Illustrations of the Year 2000 Created by People From 1900

Not just a funny sketch from the Conan O'Brien show, In the Year 2000 was also a clever marketing campaign by German chocolate brand Hildebrand's. Just in time for the turn of the 20th century, the chocolatier commissioned 12 postcards predicting what life would be like 100 years in the future. Starting in January 1900, they placed a card in each box of chocolate with a fantastical prediction of what the future would hold.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.