10/18/99

The Twentieth Century

How does one summarize an entire century? Is a century more than the sum of its decades? Each of today's sites tackles the challenge differently. Photos, videos, key news events, first person narratives and shoes (yup, shoes) have been collected, sorted, and annotated. As we stand at the threshold of a new century, it's in our nature to look back and try to make some sense of it.

20th Century in Pictures

These world-class photos are part of the 2.1 million images Corbis offers online. Although perusing the collection is free (as are the e-cards to send to friends and family), you can also license these photos (for a $3 fee) for use on your personal Website or in print. Organized by decade and by a theme of the week (such as Trials of the Century) most of the photos are annotated. Some photos are also downloadable as free desktop wallpaper for either the Mac or Windows (click on Free Downloads from the menu bar.)

The Century

As a companion to the ABC television series of the same name, The Century Website provides a glimpse into the main events of our time with vignettes, photos, videos and a shared memory discussion board. In addition to the time line accessible from the top of any page, The Century is organized into time capsule topics such as Work & Play, Science & Technology, Arts & Culture. Teachers and homeschoolers will appreciate the era-by-era activities in the Teachers Guide.

Solemates: The Century in Shoes

"The magic of Dorothy's ruby slippers ... the hip-swinging appeal of Elvis' blue suede shoes ... the unadulterated excess of Imelda's footwear collection. It's amazing how shoes, an item of such practical purpose, have come to reflect the changing passions, perspectives and ideals of our culture. ... We invite you to do some sole searching with us in our decade-by-decade look at the Century in Shoes." No, I'm not making this up. Complete with videos and shoe advertisements -- this is marvelous fun!

Stories of the Century

The Newseum ("The Interactive Museum of News") asked journalists and historians nationwide to select the top hundred news events of the twentieth century: this is their list. What event out ranked all others? "1945: United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima, Nagasaki. Japan surrenders to end World War II." Which events do you think were the most pivotal? Cast your vote online and compare your event ranking to those of other readers. Readers so far have voted the 1969 moon walk as the number one event of the century.

People's Century

"As the twentieth century rushes toward its conclusion, People's Century looks back at the story of our times. This twenty-six part television series, broadcast on PBS, offers new insight into the turbulent events of these hundred years through the revealing personal testimony of the people who were there." Best clicks are the eyewitness interviews (both written and audio) found on each episode page and the clickable time line.

Please send questions or comments to feldman@surfnetkids.com.