Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. Work on the suspension bridge began on January 2, 1870, and it cost sixteen million dollars. The Brooklyn Bridge is 1595 feet long. Children could learn more about the bridge and John A Roebling, its designer, at: Brooklyn Bridge.
First night baseball game was played in the major leagues. The Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies in 1935. Over 20,000 baseball fans attended the game in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Carpenter is the far right person in the first row
Scott Carpenter was launched into space in 1962. The fourth American to travel in space, he circled the earth three times. Aboard Aurora 7, he conducted five experiments in the five-hour voyage. He was the first astronaut to eat solid food in space. Children could learn more, including his aquanaut experiences, at: Scott Carpenter.
Diane deGroat (born Newton, New Jersey, 1947) has illustrated and/or written over 130 books for children. Her books include Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire and Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books. Children can visit her website at: Diane deGroat.
Emanuel Leutze (born Wurttenberg, Germany, 1816; died Washington, DC, July 18, 1868) came to America when he was nine years old. He started to paint at about age fifteen. Even though most people do not recognize his name, he painted some very famous pictures. They include Washington Crossing the Delaware and Columbus Before the Queen. Children can see some of his works at: Emanuel Leutze.
Ynes Mexia (born Washington, DC, 1870; died Berkeley, California, July 12, 1938) was a botanist who collected rare species of plants from South America and Mexico. She often traveled to remote and dangerous locations to find plants that had specific purposes. Children could learn more by reading Ynes Mexia: Botanist and Adventurer by Durlynn Anema.
Frank Oz (born Hereford, England, 1944) is a puppeteer. His characters include Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is today. Celebrated on the last Monday of May, the day honors all those who died in war. The day is marked with parades and picnics. The day also signifies the unofficial first day of summer. Children can learn about the history of Memorial Day at: Memorial Day.
Flag of Argentina
Argentina celebrates Revolution Day. It became free of Spanish rule in 1810. Spaniards explored the area around 1515. Argentina is about 30 percent the size of the United States. Known for its vast Pampas, the country is famous for its large cattle herds. About 42.6 million people live in Argentina, and Buenos Aires is the capital. Children could learn more about Argentina at: Argentina.
Flag of Jordan
Jordan celebrates Independence Day. This Middle Eastern country became free of a League of Nations mandate by British occupation in 1946 and adopted a monarchy. According to the CIA World Factbook, Jordan is a bit smaller than Indiana. Mostly a desert country, Jordan needs water and oil. It exports clothing. About 6.4 million people live in Jordan. Amman is the capital. Children can learn more at: Jordan.
National Tap Dance Day is held on the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Robinson was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1878. He started his dancing career in vaudeville. He opened on Broadway in 1927. Robinson appeared in several movies with Shirley Temple, including The Littlest Rebel and The Little Colonel. He died in New York, New York, on November 25, 1949.
Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787. While the delegates came with ideas of revising the Articles of Confederation, they realized they had to create a new type of government. The Constitutional Convention concluded on September 17, 1787. Idea: Children could read Jean Fritz’s Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution.
Mass production of penicillin was patented by Andrew Moyer in 1948. Prior to that patent, penicillin was produced in small batches, and people died from infection because penicillin was not widely available. Representing the federal government, Moyer outlined the results of his team’s research in the patent application. The process saved and continues to save millions of lives. Moyer received no money from the patent results. Children can view the patent at: Penicillin.