celebrateandlearn

Leif Erikson Day

 Events
Oct 092026
 
Statue of Leif Erikson in front of Minnesota State Capitol

Statue of Leif Erikson in front of Minnesota State Capitol

Leif Erikson Day is celebrated in Iceland and some parts of the United States. The Viking may have discovered North America in the year 1000. Idea: Children could research the evidence and decide which European found the Americas first. October 9 has no association to Erikson; the date was picked because the first ship filled with Norwegian immigrants landed on October 9, 1825. The day was first recognized by Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964. Every president since then has honored the day. Some people believe we should honor Leif Erikson Day rather than Columbus Day. Children could learn more about the debate at: Leif Erikson.

Supernova 1604 First Appeared in 1604

 Events
Oct 092026
 
Technologically Enhanced Remnant of Supernova 1604

Technologically Enhanced Remnant of Supernova 1604

Supernova 1604 first appeared in northern Italy in 1604. Johannes Kepler, while not the first scientist to see it, made observations of it while he was in Prague. Also known as Kepler’s Nova, the supernova, of the type to happen in the Milky Way, was the brightest star in the sky and was visible during the day for three weeks. Supernova 1604 was also observed and noted in China and in Korea. Children can learn more about supernovas at: Supernovas.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Oct 092026
 

Johanna Hurwitz (born New York, New York, 1937) has written more than 70 books for children. Her books include Hurray for Ali Baba Bernstein and the Riverside Kids series. Children can visit her website at: Johanna Hurwitz.

Camille Saint-Saëns (born Paris, France, 1835; died Algiers, Algeria, December 16, 1921) was a composer. One of his compositions was The Carnival of the Animals.

World Migratory Bird Day – October

 Events
Oct 102026
 

Penguins Migrate!

World Migratory Bird Day is today. Held on the second Saturday in May (May 10, 2025) and on the second Saturday in October, the day brings to light the plights of a number of migratory birds. This year’s theme is Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities. Children could learn more at: World Migratory Bird Day 2026. Idea: Children could make a list of migratory birds that are not found in the children’s home territory. For example, Emperor Penguins and Arctic Terns migrate.

London Bridge Was Moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1971

 Events
Oct 102026
 
London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1971. Spanning the River Thames, London Bridge was built in 1831. However, by around 1970 the bridge was not structurally sound for modern traffic. The government planned to dismantle it. Robert P. McCulloch, founder of Lake Havasu City, purchased the bridge. The pieces were dismantled, numbered, shipped to Arizona, and reassembled. The bridge, connecting portions of Lake Havasu City, has become a tourist attraction.

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