TimelineJS is an open-source tool that enables anyone to build visually,rich, interactive timelines. Beginners can create a timeline using nothing more than a Google spreadsheet. Experts can use their JSON skills to create custom installations, while keeping TimelineJS's core look and functionality.

Sources

It can pull in media from a variety of sources and has built-in support for Twitter, Flickr, Google Maps, YouTube, Vimeo, Vine, Dailymotion, Wikipedia, SoundCloud and more.

Tips & tricks

1. Keep it short, and write each event as a part of a larger narrative.
2. Pick stories that have a strong chronological narrative. It does not work well for stories that need to jump around in the timeline.
3. Include events that build up to major occurrences — not just the major events.