Anguilla celebrates Anguilla Day, a national holiday. Located in the Caribbean, these islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The day commemorates the day of the country’s determination of its independence, May 30, 1967. This country consists of one major island, measuring about sisteen miles long and three miles wide, and a number of small islands. About half the size of Washington, DC, Anguilla depends on tourism. Approximately 15,000 people call Anguilla home. The capital is The Valley. Children can learn more at: Anguilla.
The Pennsylvania Evening Post in 1775 became the first newspaper to be published in the United States. Benjamin Towne printed the newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The newspaper closed in 1784.
Kansas-Nebraska Act became law in 1854, and the Kansas and Nebraska Territories were created. The Act voided the Missouri Compromise, and each territory could vote on the issue of slavery. Idea: Children could research these territories. They could draw on a map how far the territories extended. Children can look at a photo of the original document and read a transcript of the act at: Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Indianapolis 500 Road Race was held for the first time in 1911. Ray Harroun won the race with an average speed of 75 miles per hour.
Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, in 1922. Daniel Chester French sculpted “Seated Lincoln.” People had voiced the idea of a memorial for Abraham Lincoln soon after his assassination, but real plans did not start until 1910. Approximately six million people visit the memorial each year. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm.
Chicago Cubs traded Max Flack for the Cardinals player Cliff Heathcote between games in a doubleheader in 1922. Both Flack and Heathcote played for both teams the same day!
Mel Blanc (born San Francisco, California, 1908; died Los Angeles, California, July 10, 1989) was the voice of many of the characters on Looney Tunes, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Children could read Melvin the Mouth, written by Katherine Blanc and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. Katherine Blanc is the daughter-in-law of Mel Blanc.
Peter I (born Moscow, Russia, 1672; died St. Petersburg, Russia, January 28, 1725) was Tsar and Emperor of Russia. He wanted to make Russia more of a world power. He introduced Arabic numerals, and he simplified the Russian alphabet. He overhauled government and the military.