Voyager 2
Voyager 2 was launched in 1977. It traveled near Jupiter in 1979, Saturn in 1981, Uranus in 1986, and Neptune in 1989. It transmitted photographs and data back to earth. It continues in its space travels, sending back weak radio signals. Children can visit an INTERESTING website, including data on the spacecraft’s distance from earth, at: Voyager 2.
Vitus Bering (born Horsens, Jutland, Denmark, 1680; died Bering Island, December 19, 1741) was an explorer. He confirmed that water separated Asia and North America. He also claimed land now known as Alaska for Russia. Heavy fogs forced him to land on Bering Island as he was trying to return to Russia. He died of scurvy on the island. Idea: Children know that Bering Island is named after him; they could find out what two other geographic features bear his name. They could also learn more at: Vitus Bering.
Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison (born North Bend, Ohio, 1833; died Indianapolis, Indiana, March 13, 1901) was the twenty-third president (1889-1893) of the United States. He was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. During the Civil War he was a brigadier general. He served in the United States Senate, representing Indiana. Although he lost the popular vote, he won the Electoral College vote and became president. He compared the White House to a jail. During his presidency, six new states were admitted to the Union. Children could visit a website at: Benjamin Harrison. They could find out which six states were added to the Union during his presidency.
Judith Byron Schachner (born Waltham, Massachusetts, 1951) writes and illustrates books for children. Her books include the Skippyjon Jones series and Willy and May. She also illustrates books written by other authors. Children can visit her website at: Judith Byron Schachner.
Humuhumunukunukuapuaa
Photo courtesy of Dwijnker
Hawaii’s Flag
Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the United States in 1959. Evidence indicates people lived on the islands as early as AD 500. James Cook first visited Hawaii in 1778, and he died there in 1779. Honolulu is the state capital, and the state’s nickname is the Aloha State. Hawaii is the 8th smallest state in area and the 11th least populated state. Since the development of the jet airplane, the islands have become quite a tourist spot. Scientists are trying to channel the geothermal energy from the volcano Mauna Loa. The state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Idea: Children could plan a simple luau.
Lincoln-Douglas debates began in 1858. The seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas provided the voters of Illinois a chance to evaluate the candidates for a senate seat. The last debate was held in Alton, Illinois, on October 15, 1858. Although Lincoln lost the election, he became more known nationally. Older children can read transcripts of the speeches at: Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
Adding Machine Patent Illustration
Adding machine was patented in 1888 by W. S. Burroughs. He received patent number 388,116. Children could view his patent at: Adding Machine.
Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. A former employee of the Louvre, Vincenzo Peruggia, had removed her from the glass case he helped build. Then he stored the painting in his apartment. He tried to ransom the painting two years later, but he was caught. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre in January 4, 1914. Children could visit a website at: Mona Lisa.
Gemini 5 Liftoff
Gemini 5 was launched into space in 1965. For eight days astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad orbited the earth. While orbiting the earth 128 times, they launched the first satellite from a manned craft. They returned to earth on August 29, 1965. Older children can learn more at: Gemini 5.
Solar Eclipse Map Courtesy of NASA
Great American Solar Eclipse occurred in 2017. The eclipse began in the northwest around 9:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time and crossed the country in a southeasterly direction. It concluded around 4:09 Eastern Daylight Time in the southeast. Around two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses happen every year, but this eclipse was so special because it crossed the entire United States. The next solar eclipse influencing the United states was on April 8, 2024, but it was not as monumental as the 2017 eclipse. Children can learn about solar eclipses at: Solar Eclipse.
Kwame Alexander (born New York, New York, 1968) writes children’s books and poetry. His verse novel The Crossover earned him the 2015 Newbery Medal. That book also received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award. He also earned a 2020 Newbery Honor Award for The Undefeated. Children can learn more at: Kwame Alexander.
William “Count” Basie (born Red Bank, New Jersey, 1904; died Hollywood, Florida, April 26, 1984) was a composer, pianist, and bandleader who loved jazz.
X. J. Kennedy (born Dover, New Jersey, 1929; died Peabody, Massachusetts, January 31, 2026) wrote poetry and novels for both adults and children. His children’s books include Elefantina’s Dream and Uncle Switch: Loony Limericks.
Arthur Yorinks (born Roslyn, New York, 1953) writes and directs plays and operas. He has also written at least 40 books for children. he wrote Hey, Al, which earned illustrator Richard Egielski the 1987 Caldecott Medal. Older children can learn more at: Arthur Yorinks.
Peaches
National Eat a Peach Day is today! Peaches are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways. The three top states in order of peach production are: California (475,000 tons), South Carolina (67,400 tons), and Georgia (24,800 tons).