Antirabies inoculation was administered safely for the first time by Louis Pasteur in 1885. He saved a child who had been bitten by a rabid dog.
Jul 062025
Jul 062025
Babe Ruth
Major League All-Star Game was held for the first time in 1933 in Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois. Players included Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Planned as a one-time event, the very successful All-Star game has been played every year since then, except 1945 (World War II) and 2020 (Covid-19 Pandemic). Children could learn more, including a list of every All-Star Game, at: Baseball.
Jul 072025
Solomon Islands celebrate Independence Day. These Pacific islands became free from Great Britain in 1978. The total area of the islands is a bit smaller than the area of Maryland. Natural resources include fish, bauxite, and forests. Almost 600,000 people live there, and Honiara is the capital.
Jul 072025
The Adventures of Pinocchio was created by Carl Collodi, whose real name was Carl Lorenzini, in 1881. Children can read the book or listen to a recording at: Project Gutenberg.
Jul 072025
Sliced bread
Sliced bread was sold for the first time in 1928 at the Chillicothe Baking Company in Chillicothe, Missouri. Before then, people sliced their own bread. Bread consumption increased, because people found it easier to grab a slice and go. Consumption of butter, jam, and other spreads increased as well. For a short time during World War II sliced bread could not be sold. The invention led to the saying, “the best thing since sliced bread.”
Jul 082025
Blueberries
National Blueberry Day is today! Two types of blueberries exist, lowbush (wild) and highbush (cultivated). Most American blueberries are highbush. Oregon produces more blueberries than any other state, followed by Washington, Georgia, and Michigan. The blueberry is considered a superfood because it contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant. The fruit can served in a variety of ways, from just grab-a-handful to blueberry pie to blueberry muffins to blueberry jam. Children can learn more at: Blueberries.
Jul 082025
Olive Branch Petition was signed by representatives from the Second Continental Congress in 1775. It was delivered to King George III as one last try to peacefully resolve differences between the American colonies and Great Britain. Older children could read a copy of the petition at: Olive Branch Petition. Idea: Children could predict what would have happened if the king had not ignored the petition.
Jul 082025
Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 by Colonel John Nixon. The Liberty Bell tolled to bring citizens to hear the reading. Children can read a copy of the Declaration of Independence at: Declaration.
Jul 082025
State Department issued the first passport in 1796. Francis Maria Barrere received the document. Idea: Children could perhaps see a passport and learn how passports are issued. Older children can read a history of US passports at: Passport History.
Jul 082025
Liberty Bell
Courtesy Bev Sikes
Liberty Bell cracked in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the second time in 1835. It was ringing to mark the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall. The 2080-pound bell was originally cast in England in 1752. However, it cracked soon after arrival. The bell’s metal was melted and re-cast in 1753. Children can learn more at: Liberty Bell.