Discover a collection of rare historical photos that offer alternative perspectives on modern history.

“Lunchtime Atop a Skyscraper”

Capturing construction workers enjoying lunch 840 feet above ground during a break from building what is now the GE Building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Photographer Charles C. Ebbets took this iconic photo on September 20, 1932, as the construction project neared completion – reaching the 69th floor out of 70.

Subway System Of New York City in 1904

The inaugural passengers using the newly opened New York City subway system in 1904. On October 27, 1904, New York City’s mayor, George McClellan, officially opened the now-famed subway system at 2:35 pm. The first passengers paid ¢5 to ride the city’s underground transit system, covering 9.1 miles of track through 28 stations.

Ringling Brothers Circus

The now-defunct Ringling Brothers Circus arriving by rail in the Bronx on April 1, 1963. Children watched in awe as one of the circus' massive elephants stepped off the transport car.

Frank Sinatra Steps off a Helicopter

Famed actor and singer Frank Sinatra disembarks from a helicopter in 1964 with a drink in hand. Sinatra, known for consuming a bottle of whiskey a day, is considered a functional alcoholic by medical experts. In the weeks leading up to recording an album, he would abstain from both alcohol and cigarettes to prepare his voice, then resume regular consumption after the project wrapped.

New York City 1947

Far from a typical winter scene in New York City, the depicted storm is the Great New York Blizzard of 1947, which buried rather than blanketed the city. The snow began at 3:20 am and accumulated three inches on the ground by the time residents headed to work. The forecasted flurries turned into the biggest NYC blizzard up to that time – 25.8 inches during a 24-hour period that left vehicles stranded in the streets.

McDonald’s 1953

The oldest operating McDonald’s restaurant, open since August 18, 1953. Situated at 10207 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, CA, it continues to serve customers the iconic hamburgers that played a pivotal role in shaping the fast-food industry and franchise restaurants.