Nikola Tesla in His Laboratory
You have probably seen this iconic photo. This scene captured here looks like something out of the movie “The Prestige.” Or rather, the movie seems to resemble Nikola Tesla’s Laboratory. What is interesting is that the scientist/inventor took this photo to demonstrate how safe alternating current is. Two hundred fifty thousand volts of alternating current, to be more precise!
Clearly, it was safe because Tesla had time to write, perhaps a bit of journaling or a crossword puzzle. Who knows? Tesla may have proved how reliable this type of electricity was, but sadly, we went with Edison’s invention. To this day, Tesla still stands for prestige and innovation.
Hampton Students Studying Telephone Assembly
After the 13th Amendment was passed, the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute was opened with the sole mission of educating those who were previously enslaved. However, it broadened its mission to simply provide African Americans with an education. In this instance, the students are busy learning the ins and outs of telephone assembly.
With Benjamin Franklin Johnston’s photograph, we witness a historical landmark – the true impact of Lincoln’s 13th Amendment. This photograph was taken some 30 years after the 13th Amendment became a constitutional right and made a significant change to the nation. Slavery was banned, and as a result, more than four million people were free.
Brooke Shield Graduates
While this actress has become a household name after her success in sitcoms such as “Suddenly Susan,” Brooke Shields also had much success in academics at Princeton. Quite surprisingly, the actress took a degree in French Literature. She also joined several of the university’s clubs, including the theater club Princeton Triangle and the Cap and Gown club, not knowing that she had a bright future ahead of her in the movie industry.
In 1987, she graduated from a prestigious university. This photo is of her graduation day. Though she would go on to achieve much more in her life, the young actress looks proud of her accomplishment here.
August Landmesser
This photo has certainly been spotted before, but few people know the identity of the man refusing to do the salute. On June 13, 1936, this photograph was taken at a German navy training in Hamburg. The man in the picture refusing to salute is August Landmesser, who refused to participate in the national socialist rally that took place in pre-war Germany.
One of the reasons why Landmesser was unwilling to participate in the salute was that he was involved in a relationship with a Jewish woman, Irma Eckler. Sadly, for his transgressions, Landmesser was sent to prison, and he was later killed after being conscripted unwillingly into the German military.
The Einsteins
When we think of this great scientist, we often imagine him busy with intricate calculations or something like that. Not here, though. This photo has such a story behind it. We can see Albert Einstein, alongside his daughter Margaret Einstein, taking their oath for U.S. citizenship. Albert Einstein had to flee Germany after the regime changed and forced him and other Jews to seek a safer haven.
When the new German chancellor came into power in 1932, the future for Jews and any other minority was uncertain. Einstein predicted the worst and was saved. During the war, he assisted the American Navy and helped to evaluate new weapon systems.