History Through Pictures - A Look at the Story Behind Historical Photographs

They say a picture is worth a thousand words—when it comes to history, it might just be worth a thousand lessons.

In this class, we’ll explore the powerful world of photography and its undeniable impact on how we understand the past. Each week, we’ll focus on an iconic image that captured a moment in time—one that stirred emotions, shifted public opinion, or became a symbol of an era. Together, we’ll uncover the story behind the lens: who the photographer was, what was happening in the world at that moment, and how the image shaped history both immediately and in the years that followed.

We’ll also examine lesser-known photographs taken under similar circumstances—images that are equally powerful, but not as widely remembered—to spark deeper discussion and reflection. This class spans the full range of human experience: from triumph to tragedy, peace to conflict, joy to heartbreak.

Because of the emotional and sometimes graphic nature of historical events, I kindly ask that all learners and parents read the Parental Guidance statement below. Please don’t hesitate to message me with any questions or concerns.



2025 Dates

Week of: 

January 6 Route 66, Seligman, Arizona 1947
January 13 The First Photograph, France 1827, and the history of the camera
January 20 The Louisville Flood
January 27 Meet the Beatles 1964
February 3 NO CLASS 
February 10 Migrant Mother
February 17 VJ Day and the Hotel Deville 
February 24 Country Doctor
March 3 Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston
March 10 Camelot (JFK)
March 17 Construction work (Painters of the Brooklyn Bridge 1914
March 24 Nikola Tesla 
March 31 Alfred Stieglitz The Steerage 
April 7 Lunch A Top A Skyscraper 
April 14 Malcom X
April 21 NO CLASS 
April 28 Leap Into Freedom 
May 5 Into the Deep - The Mediterranean Sea 1899
May 12 Time Magazine - "Photo That Influenced Me Most"
May 19 Couple in Raccoon Coats 1932
May 26 Che Guevara
June 2 Babe Bows Out
June 9 Vietnam War
June 16 Out of Afghanistan
June 23 NO CLASS 
June 30 NO CLASS
July 7 Photos of Silent Protest (1888 Catholic/Protestant graves)
July 14 Survivors Bias (How what we see is not reality)
July 21 How Pictures Shaped Early Hollywood
July 28
August 4 
August 11
August 18
August 25
September 1
September 8
September 15
September 22
September 29 NO CLASS 
October 6
October 13
October 20
October 27
November 3
November 10
November 17
November 24 NO CLASS 
December 1
December 8
December 15
December 22 NO CLASS
December 29 NO CLASS