Robert C. Weaver
Robert C. Weaver became the first African American appointed to a presidential cabinet. President Lyndon Baines Johnson made Weaver Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 1966. Children can view the list of current Cabinet members at: Presidential Cabinet.
Gemini VIII was the first spacecraft to dock with another craft, the Agena, in 1966. The Agena gave astronauts David R. Scott and Neil Armstrong practice docking with other vehicles. These experiments prepared astronauts for lunar missions. The docking was anything but smooth. Children can read about the docking at: Gemini VIII.
Star Trek premiered in 1966. Only 79 episodes were created for the original series. However, it has spawned movies, cartoons, and other series.
Flag of Botswana
Botswana celebrates Botswana Day, the day in 1966 when the United Kingdom gave up control of the country. This landlocked country in southern Africa is fairly prosperous. It is a leading producer of diamonds. Gold has also been found in the country. Because large herds of game still roam the country, tourism also brings in a great deal of revenue. Botswana, home to two million people, is a bit smaller than Texas. Gaborone is the capital. Children can learn more at: Botswana.
Flag of Lesotho
Lesotho celebrates Independence Day. It became free from British rule in 1966. The country, about the size of Maryland, is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Almost two million people live in Lesotho, and Maseru is the capital. Tourism is a major industry. Older children can learn more at: Lesotho.
Flag of Barbados
Barbados celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Great Britain in 1966; however, it has remained in the British Commonwealth. This easternmost island in the Caribbean is 166 square miles, about 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC. In the colonial days the economy depended on sugarcane. Today, however, tourism is a big source of revenue. Almost 300,000 people live in Barbados, and close to half the population lives in Bridgetown, the capital. Older children could learn more at: Barbados.