Neptune
Neptune was discovered in 1846. In 1841 John Couch Adams had begun work to find the planet. Urbain J. J. Leverrier, unknown to Adams, had also begun making calculations. Astronomer Johann G. Galle used their predictions and located the planet. Children could learn more at: Neptune.
Hearing aid was patented in 1879. Richard Rhodes received patent number 219,828 for his Audiphone. Children can learn more about hearing aids at: Hearing Aids.
Augustus (born Rome, 63 BC; died Nola, Italy, August 19, 14 AD) was a ruler of ancient Rome.
Bruce Brooks (born Richmond, Virginia, 1950) has written at least twenty books for children and young adults. His book Moves Make the Man earned a 1985 Newbery Honor Award, and What Hearts received a 1993 Newbery Honor Award.
William McGuffey (born Washington County, Pennsylvania, 1800; died Charlottesville, Virginia, May 4, 1873) was an educator and author. He penned the McGuffey Readers, a series of books that taught reading to children. At least 122 million books were sold between 1838 and 1960. Children can view the text of some of these readers at: Project Gutenberg.
Victoria Woodhull (born Homer, Ohio, 1838; died Norton Park, Bremmons, Worcestershire, England, June 10, 1927) was an advocate of women’s rights. She was the first woman candidate for the presidency. She ran for president against Ulysses S. Grant, although women did not have the right to vote. Children could learn more at: Victoria Woodhull.
World Gorilla Day is today! The largest living primates, gorillas live along equatorial Africa. Two species of gorilla exist: eastern and western. Their lifespan in the wild is between 35 to 40 years. They live in troops, and their leader is called a silverback. They are herbivores. Both species are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
Flag of Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from Portugal in 1973. Guinea-Bissau, about three times the size of Connecticut, is located at the far western edge of Africa. About 1.6 million people live in the country, and Bissau is the capital.
Second Official Flag of New Caledonia
New Caledonia celebrates New Caledonia Day, the day in 1853 when the islands were made a French overseas territory. Still a territorial collectivity of France, the islands lie in Oceania. About the size of New Jersey, the country is home to about 270,000 people. New Caledonia has about 25% of the world’s nickel reserves. Nouméa is the capital.
Office of Attorney General was created by Congress in 1789. The attorney general heads the department of justice, which acts as the chief legal department for the country. Edmund Randolph Jennings was the country’s first attorney general; he served from 1789 to 1794. Children can learn more at: http://www.justice.gov/.
Devils Tower
NPS Photo
Devils Tower was proclaimed America’s first national monument in 1906. Theodore Roosevelt decided the approximately 1,347 acre region located in Wyoming had to be preserved. Most geologists believe Devils Tower is an igneous intrusion where the sedimentary rock around it has eroded away. Children can learn more at: Devils Tower.
Flight 93 National Memorial
Flight 93 National Memorial was established in 2002 in Stoystown, Pennsylvania. It pays tribute to the 40 people who lost their lives on United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Their actions diverted the terrorist-captured plane from attacking the United States Capitol. A component of the National Park Service, the 1000-acre memorial is well worth a visit. Features include the Wall of Names, the Tower of Voices, and the Museum. Children can learn more at: Flight 93 National Memorial.
National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016. Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, the building houses about 33,000 artifacts. The Smithsonian Institute began construction of the building in 2003. Children can learn more at: https://nmaahc.si.edu/.