On May 9th 1800 John Brown was born. Brown committed his life to ending slavery and used violent tactics to do it. He is best known for leading a raid on the Harpers Ferry Arsenal in 1859, after which he was found guilty of murder, treason, and inciting slave insurrection. What do you think is John Brown’s legacy?
On April 23, 1791, President James Buchanan, the only unmarried American president, is born in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania. Would you vote for an unmarried president? Why or why not?
April 22 is Earth Day! The USDE Forest Service introduced Woodsy Owl in 1971 as an anti-litter and anti-pollution symbol to promote wise use of the environment. If you could create your own environmental poster, what would it look like?
April is Jazz Appreciation Month! On April 20, 1939, Billie Holiday recorded the civil rights song, “Strange Fruit”, about lynching victims hanging from trees. What is your favorite song with a strong political or social message?
On APril 13 1796, the first live elephant ever seen in the United States arrives from India. For the next few weeks, the elephant was on display on a street corner in New York City before setting off on a tour of the rest of the country. What is the most wondrous thing you have ever seen in person?
On April 12 1955, it is announced that the Salk polio vaccine is up to 90% effective in preventing paralytic polio. What medical breakthrough do you think has most changed the world?
On April 11 2007, American author Kurt Vonnegut dies in New York City. Which writers speak to you? Why?
On April 10 1925, F. Scott Fitsgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby is published. Fitzgerald’s book tackles some of the great questions and themes of America and what it means to be American. What do you think is the great American novel?
On April 8, 1904, Mayor George McClellan of New York City renames Longacre Square Times Square, in honor of The New York Timesbuilding entering the neighborhood. Today over 26 million people visit this hotspot each year. Where in the US do you want to visit next? Why?
On April 6, 1862, Union and Confederate forces clash in Tennessee on the first day of the Battle of Shiloh, in which Union generals William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant both fought. Grant and Sherman’s close friendship was important to Union victory. What duo do you think has most influenced the course of history and how?
