Rosetta Stone Was Found in 1799

 Events
Jul 152025
 

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone was found in 1799. Great Britain and France were at war, and one of their battle locations was in Egypt. The French found the stone when they were trying to improve their fortifications. The French lost the battle, and the British confiscated the Rosetta Stone. A pharaoh’s proclamation is written in three different languages on the stone. Jean Francois Champollion deciphered the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic text by working back through the other two languages. The British Museum now houses the Rosetta Stone. Children can learn more at: Rosetta Stone.

Louis Bleriot Flew across English Channel in 1909

 Events
Jul 252025
 
Louis Bleriot before take-off

Louis Bleriot before take-off

Louis Bleriot became the first person to fly a plane across the English Channel. He left Les Baraques, France, in 1909 and landed in Dover, England. The trip took 36 minutes 30 seconds. The Daily Mail, a British newspaper, had offered a reward of £1000 to the first successful aviator. Bleriot received the reward, and he instantly became famous. Children could read the 1984 Caldecott Medal book The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot, July 25, 1909 by Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen.

Vanuatu Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Jul 302025
 

Flag of Vanuatu

Vanuatu celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from France and Great Britain in 1980. This group of twelve larger islands and sixty smaller islands changed its name from the New Hebrides to Vanuatu on this day as well. The country is located in the Pacific Ocean, and Port Vila is the capital. The area of Vanuatu is about the same as the area of Connecticut. Approximately two thirds of the 260,000 people living on the islands are farmers. Other industries include tourism and off-shore fishing. Children could learn more at: Vanuatu.

Benin Celebrates National Day

 Events
Aug 012025
 

Flag of Benin

Benin celebrates National Day. The country announced its independence from France in 1960. Located on the western coast of Africa, Benin is about the size of the state of Pennsylvania. The geography is mostly flat with few low mountains. Many people survive on subsistence farming, and cotton is one the the country’s major exports.  Almost ten million people live in Benin, and Porto-Novo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Benin.

Gertrude Ederle Swam the English Channel in 1926

 Events
Aug 062025
 
Gertrude Ederle

Gertrude Ederle

Gertrude Ederle in 1926 became the first woman to swim the English Channel. She swam for 14 hours 31 minutes from England to France. She returned to a ticker tape parade in New York City. Younger children could read America’s Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle, by David A. Adler. At least 45 other people have successfully swum the English Channel.

Cote D’Ivoire Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Aug 072025
 
Cote d'Ivoire

Flag of Cote D’Ivoire

Cote D’Ivoire celebrates Independence Day. The west African country gained its independence in 1960 from France. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Cote D’Ivoire has an area about the same as the area of New Mexico. The mostly flat country has a tropical climate along the coast. The country exports cocoa beans and coffee beans. Over 22 million people live there, and Yamoussoukro is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Cote D’Ivoire.

Chad Celebrates its Independence Day from France

 Events
Aug 112025
 
Chad Flag

Flag of Chad

Chad celebrates Its Independence Day from France. Chad became a sovereign country in 1962. It is a landlocked country, about three times the size of California. This African country’s arid climate allows some farming and some pastoral activity. It has huge oil reserves. Over eleven million people live in Chad. N’Djamena is the capital. Idea: Children could make a map of Chad and its neighbors. Older children can learn more at: Chad.

Republic of the Congo Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Aug 152025
 
Republic of Congo Flag

Flag of Republic of the Congo

Republic of the Congo celebrates Independence Day. It became free from French control in 1960. Located on the western coast of Africa, this country, about the size of the state of Montana, exports sugarcane, coffee and many other products. About 4.5 million people live in the Republic of the Congo, and Brazzaville is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Republic of the Congo.

Gabon Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Aug 172025
 
Gabon Flag

Flag of Gabon

Gabon celebrates Independence Day. It gained autonomy from France in 1960. The country, located on the western coast of Africa, is for the most part covered with rain forest. The country’s area is about the same as the area of Colorado, and about 1.6 million people live there. Libreville is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Gabon.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries