Sep 262024
 

Sir Francis Drake

Francis Drake and his ship the Golden Hind circumnavigated the world in 1580. He had left England on December 13, 1577, with numerous ships and many men. The Golden Hind, the only ship to return, was loaded with treasure, and Queen Elizabeth’s half of the cargo was greater than all her other income that year. He was knighted for his efforts. Children could read You Wouldn’t Want to Explore with Sir Francis Drake, by David Stewart and David Salariya.

Sep 262024
 

washington-cabinetGeorge Washington established his first cabinet in 1789.

  • Thomas Jefferson became Secretary of State.
  • John Jay was appointed the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
  • Samuel Osgood was the first Postmaster.
  • Edmund J. Randolph was made Attorney General.
  • Henry Knox had become Secretary of War on September 12, 1789. The position was renamed Secretary of Defense in 1949.

Today the President’s cabinet is comprised of the Vice President and fifteen heads of departments. Children can learn more at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet.

Sep 262024
 
Shannon Lucid working out on a treadmill aboard Mir

Shannon Lucid working out on a treadmill aboard Mir

Shannon Lucid, astronaut, returned to earth in 1996 after being in space 188 days. At the time she set the US record for longest time in space and the world record for the longest time for a woman in space. She conducted experiments aboard the Mir space station. She had previously flown on four other missions. Her record for an American woman was broken by Sunita Williams on June 16, 2007. Older children could learn more at: Shannon Lucid.