Vitus Bering (born Horsens, Jutland, Denmark, 1680; died Bering Island, December 19, 1741) was an explorer. He confirmed that water separated Asia and North America. He also claimed land now known as Alaska for Russia. Heavy fogs forced him to land on Bering Island as he was trying to return to Russia. He died of scurvy on the island. Idea: Children know that Bering Island is named after him; they could find out what two other geographic features bear his name. They could also learn more at: Vitus Bering.
Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison (born North Bend, Ohio, 1833; died Indianapolis, Indiana, March 13, 1901) was the twenty-third president (1889-1893) of the United States. He was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. During the Civil War he was a brigadier general. He served in the United States Senate, representing Indiana. Although he lost the popular vote, he won the Electoral College vote and became president. He compared the White House to a jail. During his presidency, six new states were admitted to the Union. Children could visit a website at: Benjamin Harrison. They could find out which six states were added to the Union during his presidency.
Judith Byron Schachner (born Waltham, Massachusetts, 1951) writes and illustrates books for children. Her books include the Skippyjon Jones series and Willy and May. She also illustrates books written by other authors. Children can visit her website at: Judith Byron Schachner.