History

February 5, 2018

Photographer Shares Polaroids of NYC’s 1970s Punk Rock Scene on Instagram

Like many photographers living in 1970s New York City, Julia Gorton used her craft to capture everyday life in the city. What sets her portfolio apart from others, however, is that Gorton's “everyday life” happened to feature some of punk rock's most iconic figures. A transplant from Delaware, Gorton moved to New York in 1976 to study design.

Read Article

January 24, 2018

How a Gorgeous Landscape Painting Became the Paramount Pictures Logo

When you think of movie production, Paramount Pictures probably comes to mind. It’s one of the largest studios in the U.S. and has been around nearly as long as cinema itself—in fact, Paramount is the fifth oldest studio in the world. Established in 1912 as the Famous Players Film Company, it has come a long way since the pre-talkies days; it’s expanded, for instance, to include DreamWorks Pictures.

Read Article

December 11, 2017

Vintage Photos Reveal the Spirit of the Holiday Season in New York City 100+ Years Ago

Christmas in New York has always been a special time of year. From shoppers bustling about to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the city buzzes with activity. And this glimpse of New York City in the early-20th century shows that much of that spirit was alive even in the past. In fact, the nation's first public Christmas tree was installed in 1912 in Madison Square Park, complete with bulbs donated by the Edison Company.

Read Article

November 2, 2017

14th Century Cave Art From Lost Civilization Discovered on Uninhabited Caribbean Island

Rock art is one of the most primitive visual forms used to express the rites, rituals, and religions of early cultures. A global phenomenon, different types of rock art are found around the world and now, for the first time, researchers have discovered dateable cave art in the Caribbean. Surveys of around 70 cave systems on the now-uninhabited Puerto Rican island of Mona revealed a stunning quantity of cave art from the 14th century.

Read Article

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.