The “From Hell’ letter written by a person who claimed to be the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper. Sent with a parcel containing half a human kidney to George Lusk, chairman of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee. Hoax letters were sent by journalists or people trying to incite fear. This letter is regarded by many scholars to be genuine. October 16, 1888. Transcription: From hell Mr Lusk Sor I send you half the Kidne I took from one women prasarved it for you tother pirce I fried and ate it was very nise I may send you the bloody knif that took it out if you only wate a whil longer. signed Catch me when you Can Mishter Lusk.

United States Department of the Interior advertisement offering ‘Indian Land for Sale’, 1911

German election ballot, 1938: “Do you approve of the reunification of Austria with the German reich accomplished on 13 March 1938 and do you vote for the list of our Führer, Adolf Hitler?”

Schindler’s List. April 18, 1945

The actual check, for $7.2 million, issued by the United States to Russia for the purchase of the territory of Alaska, August 1868.

Boarding pass for Titanic, 10 April 1912

Civil War Draft Letter, Providence, RI, 1863

Letter sent to the Metropolitan Police claiming to be from Jack the Ripper, 1890

‘The Negro Motorist Green Book’. A guide book that listed all the places that welcomed black travelers in segregated America. Published from 1936 through to 1964. ‘The Green Book, which was published from 1936 until the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, listed establishments across the U.S. (and eventually North America) that welcomed blacks during a time when segregation and Jim Crow laws often made travel difficult — and sometimes dangerous. “Carry The Green Book with you. You may need it,” advises the cover of the 1949 edition. And under that, a quote from Mark Twain, which is heartbreaking in this context: “Travel is fatal to prejudice.”’

RMS Titanic Lunch Menu

Dinner menu from the R.M.S. Titanic from 14 April 1912, the night before it famously struck the fatal iceberg

Hitler’s 1920 doodles when coming up for the NAZI party symbol

Adolf Hitler’s obituary in The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, May 4, 1945

Page from a CIA Counter-intelligence Interrogation manual, July 1963

Anne Frank’s Diary

Marie Curie’s notebook. Because of their levels of radioactive contamination, her papers from the 1890s are considered too dangerous to handle. Those who wish to consult them must wear protective clothing.

Al Capone’s fingerprint card, before 1947

Kurt Cobain’s Suicide Note: To Boddah Speaking from the tongue of an experienced simpleton who obviously would rather be an emasculated, infantile complain-ee. This note should be pretty easy to understand. All the warnings from the punk rock 101 courses over the years, since my first introduction to the, shall we say, ethics involved with independence and the embracement of your community has proven to be very true. I haven’t felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music along with reading and writing for too many years now. I feel guity beyond words about these things. For example when we’re back stage and the lights go out and the manic roar of the crowds begins., it doesn’t affect me the way in which it did for Freddie Mercury, who seemed to love, relish in the the love and adoration from the crowd which is something I totally admire and envy. The fact is, I can’t fool you, any one of you. It simply isn’t fair to you or me. The worst crime I can think of would be to rip people off by faking it and pretending as if I’m having 100% fun. Sometimes I feel as if I should have a punch-in time clock before I walk out on stage. I’ve tried everything within my power to appreciate it (and I do,God, believe me I do, but it’s not enough). I appreciate the fact that I and we have affected and entertained a lot of people. It must be one of those narcissists who only appreciate things when they’re gone. I’m too sensitive. I need to be slightly numb in order to regain the enthusiasms I once had as a child. On our last 3 tours, I’ve had a much better appreciation for all the people I’ve known personally, and as fans of our music, but I still can’t get over the frustration, the guilt and empathy I have for everyone. There’s good in all of us and I think I simply love people too much, so much that it makes me feel too fucking sad. The sad little, sensitive, unappreciative, Pisces, Jesus man. Why don’t you just enjoy it? I don’t know! I have a goddess of a wife who sweats ambition and empathy and a daughter who reminds me too much of what I used to be, full of love and joy, kissing every person she meets because everyone is good and will do her no harm. And that terrifies me to the point to where I can barely function. I can’t stand the thought of Frances becoming the miserable, self-destructive, death rocker that I’ve become. I have it good, very good, and I’m grateful, but since the age of seven, I’ve become hateful towards all humans in general. Only because it seems so easy for people to get along that have empathy. Only because I love and feel sorry for people too much I guess. Thank you all from the pit of my burning, nauseous stomach for your letters and concern during the past years. I’m too much of an erratic, moody baby! I don’t have the passion anymore, and so remember, it’s better to burn out than to fade away. Peace, love, empathy. Kurt Cobain Frances and Courtney, I’ll be at your alter. Please keep going Courtney, for Frances. For her life, which will be so much happier without me. I LOVE YOU, I LOV[E YOU!

A One Hundred Dollar Confederate States of America banknote, Issued during the American Civil War, December 22, 1862

A letter sent anonymously by the FBI to Martin Luther King Jr., 1964

Copy of original bill of sale for slaves, in Charleston, South Carolina 1833

A page of William Shakespeare’s handwriting

The first official picture of the original ransom note that was left on the crib of Charles Lindbergh’s baby on the night the boy was kidnapped was made public by New Jersey State Police, 1934. Dear Sir! Have 50.000$ redy 25 000$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$ bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills After 2–4 days we will inform you were to deliver the money. We warn you for making anyding public or for notify the Police The child is in gut care. Indication for all letters are Singnature [Symbol to right] and 3 hohls.

Encrypted World War II message found in a fire place strapped to the remains of a dead carrier pigeon. Sent in 1944, discovered in 2012

Receipt for Aphex Twin’s first synthesizer

Charles Darwin’s 1837 first sketch of an evolutionary tree, prefaced by the words “i think”