It’s National Weatherperson’s Day! Before the internet, television, or even the radio was in widespread use, weather conditions were measured and shared in a very analog way. In 1908, the US Weather Bureau, now the US National Weather Service, began building kiosks around the country to keep Americans informed about weather conditions. Each one had a square base and was seven feet high, four More
For National Homemade Soup Day, we’re sharing a recipe that circulated during Michael A. Bilandic’s 1979 mayoral campaign. After the death of mayor Richard J. Daley on December 20, 1976, the Chicago City Council chose Michael Bilandic to act as mayor until an election could take place. A South Sider, Bilandic was proud of his More
During the Victorian era (1837–1901), jewelry was an important part of being correctly dressed. It was worn as decorative adornment, but it also conveyed messages through symbols on behalf of the wearer. For instance, garnet, the birthstone for January, is believed to protect the wearer during their travels and was often exchanged between friends with More
On this day in 1892, Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas. She was the first Black woman in the world to earn an aviator’s license. A daughter of George and Susan Coleman, Bessie Coleman was one of thirteen children. During her youth, a number of aviation milestones may have influenced her: in 1903, the More
In January 1917, a group of women organized by the National Woman’s Party began picketing in front of the White House in protest of President Woodrow Wilson’s failure to support a suffrage amendment. These “silent sentinels,” so-called because of their silent protest, faced frequent attack by angry mobs as well as arrest. Among them were More