Phyllis Brown
Phyllis Brown, the historian behind The History Insider, started the site to share interesting and accurate history stories. Passionate about making history easy to understand, Phyllis brings the past to life, helping readers connect with stories that still matter today.
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Famous Photo Of Ku Klux Klan Members Riding A Ferris Wheel In Canon, 1926
A famous photograph from 1926 shows a Ferris wheel carrying individuals dressed in the white robes and pointed hoods of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The Ferris wheel has 12 cars, each holding three people, while five others stand below the wheel. The photograph appears to be from a historical […] More
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in Photos, Innovations
When The Sky Over Stockholm Was Filled With Telephone Lines
In the late 19th century, the telephone emerged as a groundbreaking invention, but the idea of running its cables underground was still beyond the grasp of engineers. Back then, technical constraints meant that each telephone needed its own dedicated wire to connect directly to an exchange, where operators manually linked […] More
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Last Photo Of The 18 U.S. Figure Skaters Lost In The Belgium Plane Crash, 1961
On February 15, 1961, tragedy struck when Sabena Flight 548, a Boeing 707 traveling from New York to Brussels, crashed near the Brussels airport. The accident claimed the lives of all 72 people on board, including the entire U.S. figure skating team, along with six coaches, four officials, and six […] More
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in Celebrities, Stories
Natalie Wood: A Hollywood Icon Whose Death Haunts Us
Natalie Wood, a name still remembered from Hollywood’s golden age, was a talented actress with unforgettable on-screen presence. From her breakout role in Rebel Without a Cause to the memorable performance in West Side Story, Wood captured millions of hearts. But her story wasn’t just one of fame – it […] More
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Historic 1920s Wedding Of A Lesbian Couple In Budapest Defying Gender Norms
In the early 20th century, a striking photograph taken in a Budapest studio captured a rare and courageous moment—a wedding portrait of a lesbian couple from 1920, dressed in semi-drag. This image defies the norms of its time and stands as a strong symbol of enduring love and courage. The […] More
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in List, Historical Periods, Photos
Heart-Wrenching Photos That Reveal The Struggles Of The 1980s AIDS Epidemic
The 1980s brought the AIDS epidemic to the forefront as it swept through communities with tragic force, claiming lives and creating widespread fear and uncertainty. People across the U.S. and around the world faced the horrifying impact of a virus that was both deadly and poorly understood. The disease spread […] More
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in Innovations, List
10+ Weirdest Inventions You Won’t Believe Were Created
Throughout history, countless patents have been filed in an effort to solve everyday problems, often with remarkable success. Many of the greatest inventions are simple yet effective, designed to make our lives easier while adding a touch of innovation. But not every idea hits the mark. Some inventions seem to […] More
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New York’s Greatest Mystery: The Disappearance Of Dorothy Arnold
On December 12, 1910, Dorothy Harriet Camille Arnold, a young socialite from the Upper East Side of New York City, left her home with plans to shop for her younger sister’s debutante ball. She told her mother she would be back soon, but after walking out the door, Dorothy never […] More
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20+ Rare, Goofy Photos Of Having Fun With Fake Military Props
Christopher B. Steiner, a professor at Connecticut College, assembled a fascinating collection of military portraits that reveal a different side of soldiers from the World Wars. These snapshots capture moments of levity, as soldiers strike goofy poses with fake military props. Some images capture lighthearted silliness, while others reveal a […] More
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Jon Brower Minnoch: The Heaviest Person Ever Recorded, Weighing 1,400 Pounds
Many people dedicate years to making it into the Guinness Book of World Records, where achievements are celebrated as symbols of perseverance, resilience, and human spirit. While some records are a source of pride, others highlight the complex boundary between impressive achievement and overcoming adversity. Jon Brower Minnoch’s life is […] More