Nov 292023
 

Admiral Byrd

Admiral Richard E. Byrd and three colleagues made the first ever flight over the South Pole in 1929. They traveled 1560 miles in over 18 hours. They had to dump empty gas tanks and emergency supplies to achieve necessary altitude. They mapped new mountain ranges and collected meteorological and geologic information.

Jan 022024
 

Albert Bierstadt’s Painting of Niagara Falls

Canada and the United States began a joint project in 1929 to protect Niagara Falls. Three waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the American Falls, lie on the Niagara River. The river empties Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. Hydroelectric power and tourism result from the Falls. Erosion has been slowed down by the efforts of Canada and the United States. Children can learn more about Niagara Falls at: Niagara Falls.

Feb 112024
 
Vatican

Flag of the Vatican

Vatican achieved its independence from Italy in 1929. While Vatican City had been separate from Rome for centuries, documents signed this day in 1929 made the Vatican a distinct government. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Vatican is about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC. The smallest country in the world, the Vatican is home to around 850 people. More than four million people visit the Vatican each year. Children could learn more at: Vatican.

May 162024
 

Academy Awards, the Oscars, were awarded for the first time in 1929. The Academy Awards honor films and film-related topics and people, Idea: The children could decide some Academy Award categories and pick some nominees. The class could vote to decide the winners.