Blog
Brief Moments of Everyday America: Real Photo Postcards
January 01, 2026
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year, significant historic events, important figures, and historic landmarks will be celebrated, remembered, and honored. Many museums and institutions across the United States will be celebrating this historic year, taking time to reflect on our nation’s past and look ahead to the future we hope to create for generations to come.
While there is a long list of important historic Americans who helped shape the United States and fill our history books, it’s easier to forget the billions (we’re not exaggerating- billions!) of everyday people who also helped shape the United States. The year 2026 is a year to celebrate those who have been part of major historical events, but also to celebrate daily American life. These individuals may not have made it into the history books, but they are part of many museum and archival collections across the country, depicting the diverse American culture.
One way these everyday folks can be remembered and honored is through historic photo collections, especially real photo postcards. A real photo postcard is a photographic image printed on postcard stock. In 1902, Kodak introduced the No. 3A Folding Pocket Kodak, which was designed for postcard-sized film. This camera allowed the general public to take photographs and have them printed on postcard backs to be sent around the world to share with family and friends. These images aren’t just formal portrait photographs, but depictions of brief moments in the average American’s history. These moments were meaningful not only to preserve in a photograph, but also to share—passing that image, that experience, on to someone else.
As you capture moments on your phone or camera this year, think about the photos you choose to share with others. What makes that moment meaningful enough that people in 250 years might value seeing it?
The GVSU Art Museum Collection has over 3,000 real photo postcards in its collection- that’s over 3,000 moments captured by everyday Americans over 100+ years of history.
Explore the GVSU Art Museum’s collection of real photo postcards here.
p.s. Be sure to flip through the images for individual postcards as you browse the collection. Many of the real photo postcards also have handwritten messages on the backs- providing yet another glimpse into a snapshot of American history.
Artist Unknown, Untitled (Two Men with Woman on Staircase),
real photo postcard, ca 1920, L11.2022.58
(52).
Artist Unknown, Untitled (Woman with Cat), real
photo postcard, ca 1920, L11.2022.50
(74).
Artist Unknown, Untitled (Portrait of Linemen),
real photo postcard, 1920, 2021.33.658.
Artist Unknown, Untitled (Portrait of a Boy with Fish), real photo
postcard, ca. 1920, 2020.1.377.
Artist Unknown, Untitled (Navy), real photo postcard, 2020.1.250.