History

May 16, 2025

The Ritual of the Voladores: An Ancestral Ceremony Performed by Daring “Flying Men” in Mexico

In both urban and small town Mexico, a sight high above dazzles both locals and visitors. A group of men in colorful outfits climb a towering pole, up to a small wooden structure. When a flute and a small drum start to play, the men jump down, revealing they are only hanging on by a rope. As the cord unravels, the dancers execute a delicate piece of choreography on their way down.

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April 28, 2025

“Hyperlong Exposure” Photos Poetically Weave the Past and Present Together

Compared to other artistic media, photography is far more capable of time travel. Its ability to capture our past with such astonishing immediacy is unique, serving as more representational portraits of historic lifestyles. This is why Garry Pycroft is drawn to the medium, and also why he feels compelled to reinvent it. Since 2020, the British digital artist has amassed a remarkable collection of old postcards dating back to the early 1900s.

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March 30, 2025

Long-Lost Silent Film About Abraham Lincoln Discovered by an Intern

Dan Martin never expected to uncover a century-old silent film. During his final week as an intern at a Long Island film archive, the film preservation student found a film considered lost by the Library of Congress. It was one of more than 7,000 silent pictures thought to be missing. Sometimes, however, the past has a way of returning.

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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.