A single photograph can transport us to another time, offering a glimpse into a world that feels both distant and familiar. In this collection of rare historical photos from 100 years ago, we see a century-old world through the lens of those who lived it.
These images, many of which have rarely been seen by the public, capture everything from everyday life and forgotten traditions to pivotal moments that shaped modern history. They remind us of how much has changed—and how some human experiences remain timeless.
What makes these photos so compelling isn’t just their age, but their ability to shift our perspective. They show how people adapted to their realities, found joy in simplicity, and faced challenges with resilience. From fashion and transportation to social movements and family life, these snapshots reveal details that textbooks often overlook. More than just visual records, they are powerful time capsules that encourage us to reflect on progress, culture, and the shared journey of humanity.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their collections or their personal sites.
#1. My Friend’s Great Grandma Posing In Traditional Maori Cloak C. 1920
Image Source: Tuhawaiki
#2. My Great-Grandmother Was A Stunt Pilot In 1924
Image Source: songdogtactical
#3. My Great-Grandfather Circa 1920’s
Image Source: dyslexicmikld
#4. My Grandparents, About To Embark On A Trip After Their Wedding – Riga, Latvia, 1922
Image Source: JoelAK
#5. A Pretty Girl And Her Cat, 1922
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#6. My Grandmother And Her Brother In Their Hometown, Langensalza, Thuringia, Germany. C. 1924
Image Source: MisterMcFlyXXVI
#7. African American Girl Of The 1920s
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#8. My Great Grandpa Wearing His Grandfather’s Armor Circa 1920
Image Source: Burkinator
#9. My Grandpa In The 1920’s In Hualien, Taiwan
Image Source: otromundialista
#10. My Grandma’s Maid And My Grandma. 1922, Wales, UK
Image Source: hurryuppy
#11. A Canadian Cree Indian In 1920s
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#12. African American Girl Of The 1920s
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#13. My Great Grandfather | New York City, 1920
Image Source: morgan0734
#14. My Great Grandma, Probably At Coney Island (Ca. 1920’s)
Image Source: MCofPort
#15. My Great Grandfather And His Best Friend In 1920. They Met And Fought Together In Wwi, And Their Eldest Children Married Each Other
Image Source: senkidala
#16. My Great Grandmother, Age 20, August 1920. The Gloves. The Coat. The Hat
Image Source: SewSewBlue
#17. My Great Great Grandfather, Circa 1920
Image Source: Leaping_FIsh
#18. My Great-Uncle’s Wedding. Egypt – 1923
Image Source: Rocker13666
#19. My Great Grandmother And My Grandfather 1925 In The French Caribbean
Image Source: wooddrasill
#20. Wedding, 1920s
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#21. My Grandfather, Part Of An Amateur Theater-Troupe, In 1924
Image Source: 7evenstar
#22. My Wife’s Grandmother (Center) With Her Sisters, 1925
Image Source: Yoojay
#23. Woman Member Of The Secret Service, Olive H. Doyle., 1920
Image Source: National Archives Catalog
#24. Farm In Kurrawaara Sweden 1920s – Drying Meat On The Roof
Image Source: saamiblog
#25. My Great Grandfather Looking Out Over The Lake On His Estate In What Is Now Belarus Sometime Between 1920 And 1930
Image Source: Edit_Red
#26. My Grandparents’ Wedding, 100 Years Ago Today
Image Source: earspasm
#27. “To A Darned Good Sport – Blanche 1928”
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#28. Fabulous Lady, 1920s
Image Source: Vintage Everyday
#29. Check Out My Great Grandfather Circa 1920- Yesterday Would Have Been His 107th Birthday!
Image Source: de_1337_ed
#30. My Grandfather As A Toddler, In About 1922. He Would Later Go On To Fight In The South Pacific In Ww2, Raise A Large Family, And Live Into His Nineties
Image Source: Gr4ph0n
#31. Ottoman Empire: My Great-Great-Grandfather, Died During The Last Pandemic Around 1920. Notice The Yatagan (Daggers) In His Belt
Image Source: man_in_silver
#32. My Second Great Grandparents And My Great Grandmother, Circa 1920 Eastern Europe, Transylvania
Image Source: Katalanpult
#33. My Grandmother, Born In Havana, Cuba 1924, Walking Home From Work Circa 1944 In Greensburg Pa
