Born This Day July 19th
There’s something a little magical about sharing a birthday with someone famous, right? Maybe you and that legendary scientist both blew out candles on the same day—except they were making groundbreaking discoveries while you were just hoping your cake had extra frosting. Or perhaps some world-changing leader entered the world on your special day, and now you get to claim a tiny slice of their greatness by association (totally counts). Every day on the calendar has its roster of icons, geniuses, rebels, and artists—proof that whatever day you were born, you’re in pretty interesting company.
Princess Augusta of Cambridge
Born in 1822, a member of the British royal family, significantly contributed to various charitable causes, particularly in education and social welfare. Engaged in numerous philanthropic projects throughout her life, focusing on the welfare of the poor and the advancement of women's education. Played an active role in the establishment of institutions dedicated to these causes. Married Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, and held the title of Duchess of Cambridge. Widely recognized for involvement in the royal family and charitable activities.
Continue ReadingMangal Pandey
An Indian soldier in the British East India Company's army, played a pivotal role in the revolt against British rule in 1857. The incident at Barrackpore on March 29, 1857, where he rebelled against the use of animal fat in cartridges, is considered a significant catalyst for the uprising. After the revolt, he was arrested and executed, becoming a martyr and symbol of resistance in Indian history.
Continue ReadingEdgar Degas
Contributed significantly to the Impressionist movement, focusing on movement and the human form. Preferred depicting ballet dancers, women in domestic settings, and horse races. Utilized pastels and oils, creating iconic works such as 'The Ballet Class' and 'The Dance Class'. Experimented with new techniques in drawing and sculpture, influencing future generations of artists.
Continue ReadingJusto Rufino Barrios
Served as the president of Guatemala from 1873 to 1885. Focused on modernization and liberal reforms, which included land reforms and educational advancements. Engaged in military conflict with neighboring countries, particularly during the Central American civil wars. Advocated for a unified Central America and attempted to assert Guatemala's influence in the region. Led an unsuccessful campaign against El Salvador in 1885, which resulted in his death in battle.
Continue ReadingFrederic T. Greenhalge
Served as the 38th Governor of Massachusetts from 1884 to 1885. Engaged in legal practice after training as a lawyer. Contributed to various legislative measures during tenure as governor, focusing on governance and public service within the state. Active in local politics and served in multiple capacities before assuming the gubernatorial role, including being a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. His leadership led to the advancement of infrastructure and social policies in Massachusetts during a transformative period.
Continue ReadingEdward Charles Pickering
Served as director of the Harvard College Observatory from 1877 to 1919, conducting extensive research in astronomy. Developed the first standard photographic methods for measuring the brightness of stars and created a stellar classification system. Led efforts to employ women in astronomy, notably hiring many as computer counters. Instrumental in the creation of the Henry Draper Catalogue, which listed over 225,000 stars and their spectra.
Continue ReadingFerdinand Brunetière
A prominent literary critic and scholar specializing in French literature, contributions focused on the analysis of drama and novels during the late 19th century. He served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing many through lectures and publications. Significant works include 'Les Écrivains de la France' which outlined the achievements of French novelists and 'L'Évolution de la poésie lyrique en France' examining the development of French lyric poetry. Brunetière played a key role in the establishment of the modern examination of literature, advocating for the importance of literary criticism in understanding cultural currents.
Continue ReadingLizzie Borden
In 1892, a widely publicized trial centered around a woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother shocked the nation. The case became a sensational topic in American media. The accused was acquitted after a lengthy legal battle, which involved extensive public interest and speculation. The circumstance of the crime, including the weapon and the gruesome nature of the murders, contributed to the case's infamy. The trial raised discussions on social norms, gender roles, and legal standards of evidence at the time.
Continue ReadingFiammetta Wilson
Born in England in 1864, notable contributions in astronomy centered on study and classification of comets. Participated in various astronomical societies and published research articles. Focused on the orbits of comets and their physical properties, contributing to the understanding of these celestial objects during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Engaged actively in promoting women’s participation in science, advocating for women's education in astronomy and related fields.
Continue ReadingCharles Horace Mayo
A prominent physician and surgeon, co-founded the Mayo Clinic, which became a leading medical center in the United States. Established the foundation of a collaborative practice model that emphasized a team-based approach to healthcare. Contributed to the development of surgical techniques, particularly in abdominal surgery. Actively engaged in medical education, fostering the next generation of physicians through mentorship and training.
Continue ReadingGeorges Friedel
A prominent figure in mineralogy and crystallography, made significant contributions to the understanding of crystal structures. Developed Friedel's law, which applies to the orientation of minerals. Focused on the analysis of mineral composition and structure through scientific methods. Served as a professor at the University of Strasbourg and contributed to various scientific publications, enhancing knowledge in the field of mineralogy.
Continue ReadingFlorence Foster Jenkins
An American soprano and educator, celebrated for unique vocal performances and recordings. Born in 1868, she exhibited an early passion for music and pursued vocal studies extensively. Her performances gained attention for their distinctive style, characterized by an unconventional approach to singing. Despite lacking formal training, gained a dedicated following and became a prominent figure in New York's music scene, often performing in costume. Provided funding for musical education through personal wealth, enhancing the arts community. Achieved posthumous fame with the 2016 film "Florence Foster Jenkins", which showcased her life and career.
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