Kingdom of Cambodia Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Nov 092026
 

Thumbnail for version as of 05:05, 30 October 2011Kingdom of Cambodia celebrates Independence Day. This Asian country broke from French rule in 1953. Cambodia is slightly smaller than the state of Oklahoma. Over 14 million people live in this relatively flat land covered with forests. Exports include rubber, silk, clothing, and shoes. The capital is Phnom Penh. Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia’s major archaeological sites. The Cambodian flag features a drawing of Angkor Wat. Children can see photos of Angkor Wat at the UNESCO site: Angkor Wat.

Theodore Roosevelt Traveled through the Panama Canal in 1906

 Events
Nov 092026
 
Theodore Roosevelt and Others Inspecting Panama Canal

Theodore Roosevelt and Others Inspecting Panama Canal

Theodore Roosevelt traveled through the Panama Canal in 1906. Roosevelt felt that the Panama Canal had to be accomplished for both military and economic reasons. This trip also marked the first time an American President traveled to another country while in office. Children can research timelines and photos at: Panama Canal.

Kristallnacht Transpired in Germany in 1938

 Events
Nov 092026
 

Kristallnacht transpired in Germany in 1938. Mobs of Germans demolished thousands of homes and businesses owned by Jews. Books and Torahs were burned. More than 30,000 Jews were arrested, and almost one hundred people died. Kristallnacht, “Crystal Night,” was given its name from the sound of window glass breaking. Older children could read Kristallnacht: The Nazi Terror That Began the Holocaust (The Holocaust through Primary Sources) by James M. Deem.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Nov 092026
 
Banneker

Banneker’s Almanac

Benjamin Banneker (born near Baltimore, Maryland, 1731; died Baltimore, Maryland, October 9, 1806) was an African American known for his accomplishments in astronomy, surveying and mathematics. During the years 1791 until 1796, Banneker recorded information regarding weather, astronomy, and the tides. He compiled this information into an almanac. Other prominent Americans, including Benjamin Rush, added their own essays. The works were published, and Thomas Jefferson received a copy of the first almanac. Children can learn more at: Benjamin Banneker.

Pat Cummings (born Chicago, Illinois, 1950) is a writer and an illustrator. One of her books is Angel Baby. Her illustrations in Just Us Women, by Jeannette Caines, earned her a 1983 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award. Her illustrations in My Mama Needs Me, by Mildred Pitts Walter, earned Cummings the 1984 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Medal. Her book C.L.O.U.D.S. received a 1987 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award.  Children could visit her website at: Pat Cummings.

Lois Ehlert (born Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, 1934; died Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 25, 2021) wrote and/or illustrated at least 38 children’s books. Her Color Zoo was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1989. She also illustrated the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Children could watch a video filled with excerpts of her books at: Lois Ehlert.

Florence Sabin (born Central City, Colorado, 1871; died Denver, Colorado, October 3, 1953) was a pioneer for women in medicine. She was the first woman to earn a full professorship at a medical college, and she was the first woman to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences. She was prominent in the study of tuberculosis. She also advocated for better health rights. Older children could read a biography about her at: Florence Sabin.

Kay Thompson (born St. Louis, Missouri, 1908; died New York, New York, July 2, 1998) was an actor and an author. She wrote the Eloise series.

Stanley Found Livingstone in 1871

 Events
Nov 102026
 
Stanley found Livingstone

Stanley found Livingstone

Henry M. Stanley in 1871 found David Livingstone, the missing missionary, in Africa. He asked the famous question, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Dr. Livingstone, missing for six years, was trying to find the source of the Nile. Most people assumed he had died. Stanley was sent by the New York Herald to find Livingstone. After their meeting Livingstone remained in Africa but died about 2.5 years later. Older children can read books by Livingstone and by Stanley at: Project Gutenberg.

Windshield Wipers Were Patented by Mary Anderson in 1903

 Events
Nov 102026
 

Windshield Wiper Patent

Windshield wipers were patented by Mary Anderson of Birmingham, Alabama, in 1903. Her “window cleaner devices for electric cars and other vehicles” received patent number 743801. She invented the windshield wipers after she was a passenger on a trolley where the conductor could not easily clean the windshield of ice and snow. Children could view her patent at: Windshield Wiper Patent.

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