National Inventors’ Day Is Today!

 Events
Feb 112024
 
An Early Edison Light Bulb

An Early Edison Light Bulb

National Inventors’ Day is today! In 1983 President Ronald Reagan declared February 11 to be National Inventors’ Day, honoring Thomas Edison who was born on this day in 1847. The day recognizes all inventors and encourages everyone to try out new ideas. Children could list all the inventors they can think of and perhaps rank them in order of importance. They could research famous people who were also inventors. For example, Abraham Lincoln is the only president who received a patent. They could also learn more about creating an invention by reading Kids Inventing! A Handbook for Young Inventors by Susan Casey.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Was Established in 1983

 Events
Apr 012024
 
San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was established in 1983. Five Spanish missions were created around 1690 to 1720 in what is now San Antonio, Texas. Today four of the missions are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The sites include Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. The fifth mission is the Alamo, administered by the Texas General Land Office. On July 5, 2015, the five missions became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm.

Sally Ride in 1983 Became the First American Woman and the Third Woman in Space

 Events
Jun 182024
 

Sally Ride

Sally Ride in 1983 became the first American woman and the third woman in space. She and four other crew members were in the Challenger for six days. Since then, at least 73 women, including women from France, India, United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Canada, and China, have flown in space. Children can learn more at: Sally Ride.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Celebrate Independence Day

 Events
Sep 192024
 
Saint Kitts and Nevis

Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis celebrate Independence Day. The two islands, located in the eastern portion of the Caribbean Sea, became free of British rule in 1983, but they remain a part of the British Commonwealth. They are about 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Sugar was a large part of the economy, but the country has now shifted to tourism and diversified farming. About 51,000 people live on the islands, and Basseterre is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Saint Kitts and Nevis.