Tonga Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Nov 042024
 
Tonga

Flag of Tonga

Tonga celebrates Independence Day. It became independent from the United Kingdom in 1970. A constitutional monarchy, Tonga still remains part of the British Commonwealth. The country, located in the South Pacific, is composed of 172 islands. Its total area is about four times the size of Washington, DC. Slightly over 100,000 people live on the islands. Its capital is Nuku’alofa. Captain James Cook explored the area in 1773. Today Tonga exports copra, bananas, and vanilla. Children could learn more about the country at: Tonga.

Three Interesting Patents Were Awarded Today

 Events
Nov 042024
 

artificial legArtificial leg was patented by Benjamin Franklin Palmer in 1846. His invention received patent number 4,834. Children can read about Palmer and his invention at: Palmer.

Cash register was patented in 1879 by James Ritty and John Ritty of Dayton, Ohio. They invented the cash register, called “Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier,” because they felt employees were stealing money from them. Children can see the patent at the Google patent site at: Cash Register Patent.

Refrigeration apparatus was patented by Thomas Elkins in 1879. He received patent number 221,222. Children can see his patent at the Google patent site at: Refrigeration Patent.

King Tut’s Tomb Was Discovered by Howard Carter in 1922

 Events
Nov 042024
 

King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922. Howard Carter had been looking for the tomb for a number of years. His expeditions had been financed by Lord Carnarvon. Tutankhamen had become pharaoh when he was nine years old. He died at approximately age nineteen. His tomb was one of the few that had never been plundered. The National Museum at Cairo retains the relics. Children can find out more about Howard Carter and take an interactive tour of King Tut’s tomb at: Howard Carter.

UNESCO Was Created in 1946

 Events
Nov 042024
 
Grand Canyon, a UNESCO Site

Grand Canyon, a UNESCO Site

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was created in 1946. The goal of UNESCO is to promote “world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the arts, the sciences, and culture.” Children could learn about all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at: World Heritage Sites.