Library of Congress unveils new children’s exhibit with interactive stations
A new exhibit at the Library of Congress brings children face to face with primary sources, introducing a new generation to the slow-burn thrill of researching history.
British musical ‘Battle of Cable Street’ about 1936 anti-fascist uprising debuts in NYC
Ninty years ago, a mostly Jewish, working class community in London came together to resist a fascist march through their neighborhood. Now, a new musical looks back at the “Battle of Cable Street.”
30 Stunning Portraits of Maureen O’Sullivan in the 1940s
Maureen O’Sullivan (May 17, 1911 – June 23, 1998) was an Irish-American actress best known as Jane in the Tarzan films opposite Johnny Weissmuller (1932–1942). In the 1940s, she was in her late 20s to early 30s, a delicate, elegant beauty with classic Hollywood glamour—petite frame, dark hair, expressive eyes, and a charming, refined presence.
She continued playing Jane in the later Tarzan movies (Tarzan’s Secret Treasure in 1941 and Tarzan’s New York Adventure in 1942) but also took on more sophisticated roles, such as Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (1940) alongside Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, and in Maisie Was a Lady (1941).
O’Sullivan had a soft, feminine 1940s Hollywood aesthetic, often with wavy or styled dark hair (sometimes in elegant updos or soft curls), tailored or flowing gowns for publicity/films, and a graceful poise. Photos from the era show her as radiant and ladylike, embodying “Irish colleen” charm mixed with MGM polish.
She was under contract with MGM earlier but focused more on family after 1942. She had married director John Farrow in 1936 and had several children (including Mia Farrow), so she stepped back from full-time filming to raise her growing family. She returned later with roles like in The Big Clock (1948).
Maureen O’Sullivan remained active into later decades on stage, TV, and occasional films. Contemporary descriptions and photos portray her as a poised, charming star of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet: Pioneering Elegance of the Front-Wheel Drive Era
The 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet was one of the most striking and technologically advanced automobiles of its time. As the first American production car to feature front-wheel drive, the L-29 represented a bold engineering breakthrough. Designed by Al Leamy under the direction of E.L. Cord, it boasted a long, low, and dramatically sleek profile with a distinctive coffin-nosed radiator grille, massive 125-inch wheelbase, and elegant coachbuilt bodywork.
Powered by a Lycoming straight-eight engine producing 125 horsepower, the Cord L-29 offered smooth performance and exceptional handling for its size. The Cabriolet variant, with its convertible top and luxurious interior, perfectly combined cutting-edge technology with timeless Art Deco styling.
These stunning photos beautifully showcase the groundbreaking design and sophisticated presence of the 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet, a true masterpiece of American automotive innovation and elegance.
Portraits of Teenage Janet Jackson Taken by George Rodriguez in 1978
These 1978 portraits of Janet Jackson taken by legendary Chicano photographer George Rodriguez capture the future pop icon at just 12 years old. Often photographed alongside her siblings, including her sister La Toya Jackson and her brother Michael Jackson, these sessions documented a critical transition period for the Jackson family.
Long before she became a defining pop icon of the 1980s, Janet built an impressive resume as a child actress, using television to establish an identity separate from her famous brothers. At just 10 years old, Janet made her formal television debut on this CBS variety show alongside her siblings. She regularly performed musical numbers, danced, and participated in comedy skits.
Producer Norman Lear handpicked Janet to play Penny Gordon Woods, a young girl rescued from an abusive household by Willona Woods, on Good Times (1977–1979). Tackling such intense, heavy subject matter on a major sitcom showcased her emotional depth and vulnerability to millions of viewers. Following her time on Good Times, Janet instantly jumped into a starring role as Jojo Ashton in this ABC sitcom A New Kind of Family (1979), further cementing her status as a network television regular.
