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Photos of Places from our Past
Updated: March 15, 2025
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Share and discover the people and places from your past
Places
Gravesites
Photos of old headstones, graves, and obituaries from around the world.
Grave markers or headstones (commonly referred to as graves) and newspaper obituaries provide valuable information for the family historian and researcher. Photos of information found in cemeteries no... 
At the Beach
See how our ancestors and loved ones enjoyed a day at the beach and how it's changed over the years.
People have always been drawn to the beach. Good times with family and friends, fun food, and making memories on the sand as the sun shines down.
Some things that have changed are the bathing suits... 
Cities
Snapshots of city living at its finest, and sometimes not so finest.
This collection showcases historical photos of various cities, towns and other places you might recognize or heard about. Get a glimpse into what everyday life in the city looked like - from archite... 
Family Homes
Our homes from the past - from our childhood family home, our starter homes, to the homes we retire in.
Our homes provide us with a sense of security, stability, and comfort, and it is where we can escape from the outside world and find peace and solitude. A home is a place where we can relax, unwind, a... 
Landscape
Historical and old photos of landscapes offer a unique glimpse into the past and provide us with valuable insights into the ways in which our world has changed over time.
These photographs often capture iconic natural landmarks and breathtaking scenery that still exists today, providing us with an opportunity to see how these places looked many decades or even centurie... 
Architecture
Architectural wonders that showcase our cultural history.
From famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 - 1959), to our great grandparents who built our ancestral family homes, architecture is part of our culture and a representation of how we see our... 
Monuments
Structures that memorialize those who have passed, as well as our shared history
A monument is erected to commemorate a person or an important event. Monuments may remind us of an ancient civilization, a battle, the war dead, or even a way of life. Contained in the following page... 
Parks
These photos capture our favorite family and national parks taken over the years.
Public, private, and Federal parks have always been an important aspect of community. A place to take family, meet neighbors, and build relationships while enjoying the fresh air.
Historic photos of ... 
Farms
Photos of family farms and ranches - and the people and animals who lived on them.
Family farms - whether they are ranches, plantations, or the traditional farm - are the backbone of life around the world. These are photos of those homes, people, fields, and animals that comprise a... U.S. States
Alabama
Alabama also known as the “Heart of Dixie" joined the union as the 22nd state in 1819.
The region that became Alabama was occupied by aboriginals as early as some 10,000 years ago. Europeans reached the area in the 16th century.
During the first half of the 19th century, cotton and sl... 
Alaska
Discover this collection of family photos taken of Alaska over the years.
Alaska became the 49th US state on January 3, 1959. The capital is Juneau and the largest metro area is Anchorage. By far the largest state by area, it is the 48th ranked state in terms of population.... 
Arizona
Discover photos of Arizona over time shared by members of the community.
Arizona became the 48th state to be admitted to the US on February 14, 1912. Before admission, it was known as the Arizona Territory. The capital is Phoenix and the largest population center is the Ph... 
Arkansas
Arkansas - also known as The Natural State & The Land of Opportunity.
Arkansas became a state in 1836. Part of the land that was acquired with the Louisiana Purchase and became a separate territory in 1819, Arkansas has a rich history. It was the 9th state to leave the... 
California
Family photos of the Golden State - home to Silicon Valley & Hollywood.
The Golden State, one of the largest states in both population and geography among the 50 states, is divided geographically into Northern and Southern California. Some of the well-known areas of the s... 
Colorado
Colorado - The Centennial State or Colorful Colorado.
Colorado joined the United States as the 38th state in 1876. It is America’s eighth largest state in terms of land mass. First peoples were the ancient Pueblo peoples and later the Plains Indians. ... 
Connecticut
Connecticut boasts many nicknames: Constitution State; Nutmeg State; Land of Steady Habits; and Provisions State
One of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut became part of the Union on January 9, 1788.
In area, it is the third smallest U.S. state (5,544 square miles), but it is among the most densely populate... 
Delaware
Delaware is known by many nicknames: The First State; The Diamond State; Blue Hen State; and Small Wonder
Delaware was the first of the original 13 states to ratify the federal Constitution. Organized into three counties—from north to south, New Castle, Kent and Sussex, all established by 1682, the pop... 
Florida
Florida - the Sunshine State - was the 27th state to join the union in 1845.
Known for its balmy climate and natural beauty, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first European expedition to Florida in 1513, named the state in tribute to Spain’s Easter celebratio... 
Georgia
See family photos of Georgia taken over the years shared by members of the community.
Georgia is the largest of the U.S. states east of the Mississippi River and the youngest of the 13 former English colonies (joined the US on January 2, 1788), is known as the Peach State or the Empire... 
Hawaii
Hawaiian people through the lens: Photos capturing the diverse culture and traditions of the islands."
Journey into Hawaii's past with vintage photos showcasing its people and events, including poignant glimpses of Pearl Harbor. Experience the diverse culture, traditions, and heritage of the islands th... 
Idaho
Idaho is rich in history and has a diverse cultural heritage.
Discover the people of Idaho and the state's history through these historical photos that capture moments in time, from the pioneer days to the present. Some of these photos are provided by the Librar... 
Illinois
Vintage Illinois: Captivating photos of people and places from the state's history.
Explore Illinois' history through vintage photos of its people and places. Journey through time with candid snapshots, iconic landmarks, and scenic landscapes, capturing the state's diverse cultures a... 
Indiana
Glimpse into the past: Vintage photos of the people of Indiana.
Discover Indiana's history through vintage photos shared by families. These images offer a glimpse into the lives, culture, and traditions of the people of Indiana across generations. From candid sna... 
Iowa
Discover nostalgic snapshots of Iowans from years gone by.
These old photos show timeless moments - a family picnic, children at play, a loving couple. Preserving smiles, laughter, and tender embraces from generations past, these images evoke memories, help u... 
Kansas
Explore old Kansas family photos, capturing joy, love, and togetherness.
Step back in time with vintage photos of people and places in Kansas, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the state's history and culture, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
From small-town gatheri... 
Kentucky
Journey through the beauty of Kentucky, past and present, captured in these family photos.
Explore the rich history and cherished memories of Kentucky families through these family photos spanning past to present. These snapshots offer a glimpse into the lives of Kentuckians, from cherished... 
Louisiana
Discover Louisiana's history and culture through family photos, spanning generations past and present.
These family photos provide glimpses into the lives of Louisianians from the past to the present, capturing cultural traditions, everyday moments, and resilience in the face of challenges.
From Cajun... 
Maine
Explore Maine's history through vintage family photos, showing the lives and stories of families from the state.
These vintage family photos and documents from Maine offer glimpses into the lives, culture, and history of families from this northeastern state, capturing everyday moments, cherished memories, and t... 
Maryland
Explore the lives and stories of families from Maryland through these vintage family photos.
These old photos of the people of Maryland offer a candid glimpse into the lives of families in this mid-Atlantic state, capturing everyday moments, community gatherings, and cherished memories. Throu... 
Massachusetts
Discover Massachusetts' history and diverse heritage through vintage and contemporary family photos and documents.
These family photos and documents from Massachusetts provide a captivating glimpse into the state's history and heritage, reflecting the lives, stories, and traditions of families in the Bay State. Th... 
Michigan
Explore generations of family photos, old and new, amidst Michigan's scenic landscapes.
Discover a visual journey through the rich history of Michigan's families, captured through a collection of cherished photographs. With glimpses of diverse families from all walks of life, these image... 
Montana
Discover the history of Montana through these family photos shared by the community.
Vast, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and endless prairies define Montana. Discover the history of the state of Montana and it's people through this collection of family photos shared by t... 
New York
Explore past photos showcasing the people and places of New York.
Known for the famous New York City which is home to Wall Street and is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, New York is also well known for Ellis Island where many of our ancestors immigrated in... 
North Carolina
Journey Through Time: Capturing North Carolina's Rich Heritage in Photographs.
In the 1700s, North Carolina evolved from a primarily agrarian society into a burgeoning colony. It was instrumental in the American Revolution, hosting events like the Battle of Guilford Courthouse i... 
Ohio
Photos of rural and urban life, and the people of Ohio over the years.
These photos are shared by members of the community, and show the people and places of Ohio in recent history. Some photos may not have been taken in Ohio, but are Lost & Found photos that were discov... 
Oklahoma
Explore and connect with Oklahoma’s history through the faces and places of the past.
Oklahoma has a history shaped by Native American heritage, the Land Runs, and the rise of the oil industry. Discover old photos and family history pictures taken in Oklahoma—capturing moments from e... 
Pennsylvania
Discover a visual history of Pennsylvania through these photos shared by the community.
See the people and places of Pennsylvania through these family and vintage photographs shared by the community. Explore the State's landscapes, witness the evolution of its communities, and relive the... 
Tennessee
Tennessee has played a significant role in shaping American history.
Get a glimpse of Tennessee's past with this collection of photos shared by the community - from its early settlers and pioneer days to its growth into a thriving state. These photos showcase not only ... 
Texas
A Glimpse into the Past: Old Photos of Texas
Discover the rich history and culture of Texas, as seen through the lens of family photos shared by the community. From black-and-white snapshots of early settlers to color photos of family vacations ... 
Washington
The State of Washington in the Pacific Northwest named for the first U.S. President George Washington.
One of the leading lumber producers, Washington is known for manufacturing aircraft, missiles, shipbuilding, and transportation. 
Washington D.C.
Founded in 1790 as the capital of the newly formed United States, Washington, D.C. was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant and was established to be a neutral ground between the North and South.
Ove...
Wisconsin
Step back in time and explore Wisconsin's past through a collection of cherished family photos shared by our community. These historical images capture the everyday lives, special moments, and beautif...
Countries
Argentina
Argentina is a South American country famous for tango, beef, and soccer.
Argentina is a diverse country with a population of around 45 million people. The majority of the population is of European descent, with significant communities of Italian, Spanish, and German ancest... 
Australia
Vintage photos of Australia capture its rich history and culture.
With a population of around 25 million, Australia has a diverse culture shaped by European influx since the late 18th century, a love for sports and the outdoors, rich indigenous heritage, and unique ... 
Austria
Austria, located in Central Europe, has been a leading power in European history, particularly during the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled from the 1200s until the early 1900s. The Habsburgs were major ...
Belgium
Old photos of Belgium offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's diverse cultural heritage.
Belgium is a small, multilingual country in Western Europe, home to around 11 million people. It has a long and complex history, having been invaded and occupied by various European powers over the ce... 
Brazil
These old photos of Brazil's people offer a vibrant glimpse into the country's cultural heritage.
Brazil is a diverse and large South American country, with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Its population of over 200 million consists of a mix of ethnicities and culture... 
Canada
These old photos of Canada offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's history and culture.
Canada has a rich history and a diverse population. Indigenous peoples inhabited the land for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. The country has a history of Fre... 
Czech Republic
Old photos of the Czech Republic capture the country's rich culture and people.
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. It has a rich and complex history that dates back over a millennium. During the Middle Ages, the region was part of the Holy Roman... 
Denmark
Old and new photos from Denmark offer different views of Danish life.
Denmark is a small and prosperous country in Northern Europe with a rich cultural heritage. Throughout history, Denmark has been home to Viking warriors, medieval kings, and influential thinkers such ... 
Ecuador
Ecuador's people and places embody the country's heritage, captured in photos.
These old photos depict the people and places of Ecuador, a small South American country of 17 million people with a rich cultural heritage from its indigenous people and Spanish colonization.
The s... 
Egypt
Photos of people in Egypt, old and new, including visitors.
These photos provide a unique perspective on the rich history and beauty of Egypt, showcasing both its iconic landmarks and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse people, as well as capturing visit... 
England
England has such a rich history that has spread across various countries and across the globe: This collection of historical photos highlights the English people, and shows the locations from which many of our families came.
England, one part of the United Kingdom, was formed as a unified kingdom in about the 900s CE.
The kingdom went on to become a dominant European power after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The English ... 
Finland
A collection of old photos from Finland.
Explore this collection of historical photos from Finland, showcasing the daily lives, events, and culture of its people throughout the 20th century, including the fashion choices that reflect their c... 
France
Browse through snapshots from the past, capturing the charming people and elegant fashion of France.
This collection of historical photos from France showcases not only the everyday moments of French life, but also the vibrant culture that has made France an artistic and intellectual hub for centurie... 
Germany
German people through time: A visual retrospective.
Located in Central Europe, Germany was unified as a nation-state in 1871 under Prussian leadership, forming the German Empire. Before unification, it was a collection of independent states within the ... 
India
Captivating photos of India's diverse people and vibrant culture.
Explore India's rich heritage: Journey from vintage to modern photos capturing the diverse people and vibrant culture of the country, shared by people at AncientFaces. Immerse yourself in evocative im... 
Iraq
The history of Iraq through photos.
Explore photos capturing moments from Iraq's history - the people, culture, and events that have shaped this ancient land. Dive in and uncover stories preserved in these snapshots of time. 
Ireland
Discover Ireland and the Irish people through these moments caught on film.
Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, has a rich and complex history dating back thousands of years. The first human settlements in Ireland can be traced back to around 4000 BC, and the country has... 
Italy
Browse Italy's people in photos from the past and present, offering a glimpse into its rich tapestry of life.
Family photos from Italy hold memories of generations past, capturing candid moments of togetherness, warmth, and shared love.
They vividly portray a close-knit culture, from grandparents teaching gr... 
Japan
Explore the beauty and diversity of Japan through photos capturing its people and events.
Photos of Japan depict its people, art, and events with clarity, showcasing the beauty of cherry blossoms, the grace of geisha, the precision of samurai, and the customs of Matsuri festivals.
Glimpse... 
Korea
Korea, a peninsula in East Asia, has a history and culture that has been shaped by centuries of interaction with China and other neighboring powers.
Divided into two countries—North Korea and South Korea—since the end of World War II, Korea has been a focal point of international tensions and geopolitical intrigue.
South Korea, a vibrant demo... 
Laos
Discover the enchanting beauty and diverse culture of Laos through these shared photos.
Immerse yourself in the captivating charm and cultural richness of Laos through family photos, showcasing misty mountains, bustling markets, and vibrant traditions.
Witness the Laotian people's daily... 
Lithuania
Explore Lithuania's heritage through vintage family photos.
Lithuania, a Baltic country with a rich cultural heritage, holds treasured memories of generations captured in old family photos.
In these vintage photos, you will see Lithuanian families posing prou... 
London
Take a nostalgic journey through London's past with these historical photos.
Peek into the lives of Londoners of yesteryear with these vintage photos, offering a captivating glimpse into the people and characters that have shaped the bustling city of London, located in the Uni... 
Mexico
These vintage photos from Mexico offer a glimpse into the lives and memories of people and places that are part of their rich history.
Mexico has a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years. The indigenous civilizations of the Mayans, Aztecs, and many others flourished before the arrival of the Spanish conquista... 
Philippines
The Philippines was named in honor of King Philip II of Spain. An archipelago in Southeast Asia, it consists of over 7,000 islands and was colonized by Spain in 1565. Spain's colonization introduced C...
Poland
Browse these family photos taken in Poland.
Located in Central Europe, Poland is a country marked by times of independence, of being split up, or of foreign rule. It emerged as a powerful kingdom in the 900s and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonweal... 
Portugal
Portugal is a coastal country in southwestern Europe, bordered by Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country played a significant role during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, when explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan helped establish Portugal as a global maritime power. Portugal's empire spanned several continents, with colonies in Africa, Asia, and South America, most notably Brazil, which shows the Portuguese influence through modern times.
The country’s historical architecture, culture, and landscape, from the Douro Valley to the beaches of the Algarve, make it a popular travel destination. Portugal is also recognized for its contributions to literature, with the works of Luís de Camões, and its traditional Fado music, both reflecting the nation's cultural heritage.
Puerto Rico
A visual catalogue of photos showing the history of Puerto Rico.
Step back in time and explore Puerto Rico's history through these vintage photographs. From the arrival of the Taíno people to the island's role as a Spanish colony and its subsequent transition to a... 
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Browse the history of Republic of the Marshall Islands through vintage photographs.
Russian Federation
From the Russian Empire through the current Russian Federation, browse family photos from the land of Russia.
Russia, with its roots in the medieval state of Kievan Rus, became powerful by the 1700s under leaders like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. It expanded across Eurasia, becoming one of the lar... 
Scotland
Discover photos of Scotland and the Scottish people taken by families throughout history.
This series of photos shared by members of the community are of Scottish towns and cities and of famous and everyday Scottish people. Many are family photos taken over the last hundred+ years. 
Spain
From Madrid to Barcelona to Valencia, this collection of photos showcases the Spanish people, culture, and country.
Spain is in southwestern Europe, sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal. It was a dominant global power during the 16th and 17th centuries, leading explorations and establishing a vast colonial e... 
Switzerland
A collection of vintage and modern photos of the country of Switzerland and its people.
Switzerland was originally inhabited by the Celts, i.e., the Helvetii, before the Roman conquest in the 1st century BCE. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the area fell under Frankish rule and la... 
Ukraine
Discover the history of Ukraine through this collection of photos shared by the community.
Ukraine, with its origins in the medieval state of Kievan Rus, has periodically been ruled by other countries: these include Poland, the Ottoman Empire, and Russia. It was absorbed into the Russian Em... 
United Kingdom
Explore the rich history of the United Kingdom through vintage photos taken over the last few hundred years.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has a rich history that began with the settlement of modern humans approx. 30,000 years ago. Through exploration of the world many people from ... 
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