Colorized Historical Photos Will Change How You Feel About The Past

Family portrait before the whole thing came crashing down. This is Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his children with Cossack officers in 1916, just two years before the entire family was executed at Yekaterinburg.

This is what kids in the city looked like in the early 20th century … at least the ones who had to work for a living. Taken by Lewis Hine, an investigative photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), this was part of a project documenting working and living conditions of children in the United States. Hine and his Investigator, Edward F. Brown, interviewed the children extensively. That’s how we know that this image features a boy named Richard Pierce and the following details: “Photograph was taken at 723 Walnut St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger No. 2. 14 years of age. 9 months in service. Works from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Smokes. Visits houses of prostitution.” Yikes.

The Wright Flyer I, the Wrights’ first powered airplane, flew at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903. The Wright Flyer I enjoyed a 12-second flight, traveling 120 ft, with Orville piloting, lying (uncomfortably) prone at the controls. That’s Wilbur running alongside at the wingtip. The rest is history!