Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day Substack focuses on historical photography, covering a wide range of events and personalities from different eras including wars, notable figures, social movements, and advancements. It draws connections between past and present, highlighting the impact of history on contemporary society and the importance of remembering historical events.

Historical Events Military History Social Movements Notable Personalities Photography and Art Education and Public Policy War and Peace Civil Rights and Racial Issues Science and Technology Entertainment and Culture

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways
314 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. The same coverlid that covered Lincoln while he was dying now covers Clark
  2. Personal grievance can lead to unthinkable actions
  3. Blame-casting and retribution are powerful forces in our society
314 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  1. The Civil War was a costly conflict that shocked the nation and prompted urgency to end it
  2. Abraham Lincoln pushed for bold action to save American democracy by addressing slavery through constitutional amendments
  3. The survival of American democracy hinged on the decisions made by Congress and the Administration during a tumultuous time
275 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. Ulysses S. Grant emphasized the importance of universal public education for both Black and White children as vital for a republic's survival.
  2. Grant believed in the necessity of intelligence among citizens to maintain a republic, cautioning against ignorance, superstition, and ambition overtaking patriotism.
  3. Historians warn that with internet-driven conspiracy theories and cult fetishes influencing government, society is on the verge of a perilous situation.
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255 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
  1. Bill Perkins's passion for filmmaking led him to become a Marine combat photographer during the Vietnam War.
  2. Bill Perkins's bravery and sacrifice in Vietnam earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first combat photographer to receive this honor.
  3. The enduring impact of war is highlighted by the stories of Bill Perkins and Robert Capa, showcasing the price of freedom and the personal toll of conflicts like the Vietnam War.
255 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 24
  1. Special Army trucks collect items from the Great War found by farmers in northern France.
  2. Scars from the past World War are still found in the farmlands of northern France.
  3. Memorials in northern France are powerful, but policy change remains elusive.
235 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. Admiral George Dewey's victory in the Spanish-American War led to the US expansion into the western Pacific
  2. Theodore Roosevelt's leadership focused on improving conditions for New York's working poor
  3. Roosevelt emphasized the importance of civic virtue in social progress
235 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
  1. Charles Lindbergh's fame led him to live in Europe and gather intelligence on Germany's military air power.
  2. Lindbergh faced criticism for accepting an award from Herman Goring in light of increasing antisemitism and Nazi actions in Germany.
  3. Some believed Lindbergh had Nazi sympathies due to his speeches and writings upon returning to the US.
216 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. The chaos of America's departure from Vietnam led to a period of doubt about the country's commitment to principle.
  2. Personal emotions influenced critical decision-making during the evacuation of Saigon, leading to a catastrophe.
  3. The episode of the Vietnam War denigrated the service of Americans who had served there and had lasting implications.
216 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
  1. Abraham Lincoln prepared to leave Springfield in 1861 for his presidential inauguration
  2. The Confederate States of America were established in Montgomery under Jefferson Davis' leadership
  3. Lincoln gave a poignant farewell address before departing Springfield
216 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
  1. Bob Hope was a beloved entertainer known for his quick, irreverent humor
  2. Bob Hope bridged the gap between soldiers and civilians through his comedy during World War II
  3. Despite criticism in later years, Bob Hope's comedy provided comfort to Americans during challenging times
216 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 24
  1. Black residents of Nashville had advice for FDR during World War II.
  2. There was a call for equality and opportunities for Black Americans in the military during the war.
  3. The military's racial discrimination policies changed over time, ending segregation and allowing for integration of all races.
216 implied HN points β€’ 27 May 23
  1. The Black people of Charleston have a deep historical significance.
  2. Charleston played a key role in the international slave trade.
  3. The post features old photos of Black people in Charleston from 1865.
196 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. First Lady Grace Coolidge had a pet raccoon named Rebecca and a male raccoon was brought to her in hopes they would become a couple.
  2. President Hoover had an opossum named Billy who was borrowed as a good luck charm by a high school and they won all their post-season games.
  3. Billy the opossum did not bring President Hoover any luck, unfortunately.
196 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 24
  1. Leonard Bernstein launched Young Peoples' Concerts in 1958 with the New York Philharmonic
  2. Important historical moments: The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, U.S. Grant's horse Jeff Davis, and Lincoln's horse Old Bob
  3. Ernie Pyle's WWII reports provided insight into the experiences and struggles of front line soldiers
176 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. A team of aviators defied the odds by flying across the Atlantic from east to west in 1928
  2. They faced challenges like broken instruments and a blizzard during the 36-hour flight
  3. Despite not flying again, the crew of the Bremen were celebrated as aviation pioneers
176 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. The comparison of historical images to modern ones shows that some aspects of life remain constant over time.
  2. Through visual examples, the post highlights the similarities and differences in various historical events and figures.
  3. The post uses photography to reflect on the past and present, illustrating the continuation of certain themes through time.
176 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. Ruthy joined the Women's Army Corp during World War II as an X-ray technician.
  2. There were concerns and rumors about the female military service affecting American social norms during that time.
  3. Propaganda and misinformation, like the 'big lie,' had significant impacts on public perceptions during Ruthy's lifetime.
176 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. French Army formed first camouflage unit in WWI.
  2. Camouflage unit comprised of artists and designers.
  3. Charles Andre Mare revolutionized military camouflage during the war.
157 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
  1. Francis the US Army Mule 08KO served tirelessly under tough conditions in various Asian struggles.
  2. Mules were used to transport supplies in wars despite the military shifting to mechanized vehicles.
  3. Rescued mules played a crucial role in transporting supplies and aiding wounded soldiers during the Korean War.
157 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 24
  1. President Kennedy set the ambitious goal of putting a man on the Moon before the end of the decade, and it was achieved in 1969 by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
  2. Kennedy believed in unifying US agencies towards a common goal in space exploration.
  3. Kennedy's vision for space exploration highlighted the importance of American pre-eminence and exploring new frontiers.
157 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. Some young men found World War II to be a significant turning point in their lives.
  2. The war provided new experiences and opportunities for men from different backgrounds.
  3. The war had both positive and negative impacts on relationships and society.
137 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
  1. Jack London, known for "Call of the Wild," worked as a photojournalist and took thousands of photos during his travels.
  2. London captured photos in London's East End during the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.
  3. Living among the poor changed London's views, leading him to write about social issues and eventually become a socialist.