The Cherokee Phoenix, published on a weekly basis in Georgia, became in 1828 the first Native American newspaper. It stopped publication in 1834, but today an electronic version is still being published.
Feb 212025
Feb 212025
Sarah G. Bagley became the first female telegraph operator in 1846. A women’s rights advocate, she also worked to make millwork safer for women. Children could read an excellent biography of her at: Sarah G. Bagley.
Lucy B. Hobbs
Lucy B. Hobbs became the first woman dentist when she graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1866. She practiced dentistry for over 20 years. She then turned her attention to politics and women’s rights.
Feb 212025
Rappelling on Washington Monument to Assess Earthquake Damage
Washington Monument was dedicated in 1885. The first plans for the Washington Monument were quite elaborate, including a likeness of Washington in a chariot. Ultimately the plans were simplified to a plain obelisk. Construction began in 1848, but the Civil War and lack of funds stopped work. After the War, construction began again. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm.
Feb 212025
Green and Yellow Carolina Parakeet
Last green and yellow Carolina parakeet died in 1918. The only parrot species living in eastern United States, the birds could be found from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico. The birds lived in forests along rivers. Then, for a number of reasons, the number of Carolina parakeets plummeted. The last Carolina parakeet died in the Cincinnati Zoo. Children could learn more at: Parakeet.
Feb 212025
Polaroid camera was patented in 1947 in New York, New York, by Edwin H. Land. Older children can read an interesting article about Land and the Polaroid at: Polaroid Camera.
Feb 212025
Jim Aylesworth (born Jacksonville, Florida, 1943) has written at least twenty books for children. His books include The Mitten and The Bad Dream. His book My Grandfather’s Coat received the 2015 Sydney Taylor Award (Younger Readers’ Category). Children can visit his website at: Jim Aylesworth.
Patricia Hermes (born Brooklyn, New York, 1936; died Phoenix, Arizona, July 11, 2018) wrote at least 50 books for children. Her works include a number of books in the My America Series, including Our Strange New Land and A Perfect Place.
Ruthanne Lum McCunn (born San Francisco, 1946) writes books for children. Her works include Thousand Pieces of Gold and God of Luck. Children can visit her website at: Ruthanne Lum McCunn.
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (born Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota, 1936) has written at least sixteen children’s books regarding Native Americans. Her works include Lana’s Lakota Moons and When Thunders Spoke. Older children could learn more at: Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve.
Feb 222025
National Cook a Sweet Potato Day is today. Sweet potatoes originally came from Central America or South America, but today they are important staples around the world. They are high in carbohydrates and fiber. A tuberous root vegetable, a sweet potato is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and manganese. Sweet potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, from baking to frying to steaming.
Feb 222025
Flag of Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia celebrates Independence Day. Although it became an independent country in 1979, it is still part of the British Commonwealth. According to the CIA World Factbook, Saint Lucia is about 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. The island, located in the Caribbean Sea, exports bananas and cocoa. About 160,000 inhabitants live on the island, and many of them depend on tourism for income. Castries is the capital.
Feb 222025
Florida became a part of the United States in 1819. The Adams-Onis Treaty, also called the Transcontinental Treaty, the Florida Treaty, and the Florida Purchase Treaty, defined the border between New Spain and the United States. The treaty took effect July 17, 1821. Spain gave the land to the United States if the United States assumed five million dollars of claims of American citizens against Spain. Older children can read the text of the treaty at: Adams-Onis Treaty.
Feb 222025
Robert Baden-Powell (born London, England, 1857; died Nyeri, Kenya, January 8, 1941) established the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.
Frederick Chopin (born Zelazowa-Wola, Poland, 1810; died Paris, France, October 17, 1849) was a classical pianist and composer. He created more than 200 pieces for the piano as well as chamber music and orchestral arrangements. He played his first concert at age eight and began composing after that. He spent most of his adult life in Paris. He died of tuberculosis. His works, influenced by his Slavic background, are full of melody and rhythm.
Elisha Cooper (born United States, 1971) writes and illustrates books for children. In 2018 he earned a Caldecott Honor Award for Big Cat, little cat. Children can learn more at: Elisha Cooper.
Edward Gorey (born Chicago, Illinois, 1925; died Hyannis, Massachusetts, April 15, 2000) was an author and illustrator. He provided the odd illustrations in the books by John Bellairs and Brad Strickland. Children could learn more at: Edward Gorey.
Rembrandt Peale Self-Portrait
Rembrandt Peale (born Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1778; died Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1860) was a painter, mostly of portraits. He was a member of the artistic and famous Peale family. Children could view a number of his works at: Rembrandt Peale.
Horace Pippin (born West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1888; died West Chester, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1946) was a painter. The grandson of slaves, he injured his right arm during battle in World War I. After the war, he returned to the United States and worked at various jobs. He developed his artistic talents and became a famous artist. Children could view a number of his works at: Horace Pippin.
George Washington
George Washington (born Westmoreland County, Virginia, 1732; died Mt. Vernon, Virginia, December 14, 1799) was the first president (1789-1797) of the United States. He fought in the French and Indian War as an officer of the Virginia militia. He led the Continental Army to victory during the American Revolution. He helped organize the new country by presiding over the Constitutional Convention. He was elected president unanimously by the electoral college twice. He refused to run for a third term. He has been called “The Father of Our Country.” Children could visit a website at: George Washington.