Oscar Handlin
American historian and academic writer
An influential historian and academic who specialized in American social history. Played a significant role in promoting the study of American immigration and ethnicity. Authored several notable works, including 'The Americans: A History', which contributed to the understanding of demographic changes in the United States. Worked as a professor at Harvard University, where teaching and research focused on the immigrant experience and the development of urban America. Edited scholarly journals and contributed to various historical publications.
Received the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1952
Authored 'The Uprooted', examining immigrant experiences
Other People Born on September 29th
Richard Challoner
English bishop and religious writer
Born
September 29th, 1691 334 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1781 244 years ago — 89 years old
Served as an English bishop and played a significant role in the Catholic Church during the 18th century. Established the Catholic mission in England and worked to strengthen the faith among English Catholics. Authored various religious texts and catechisms that contributed to Catholic education. His efforts were particularly influential during a time of religious strife in England following the Protestant Reformation.
Continue ReadingCharles Court
Politician and 21st Premier of WA
Born
September 29th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2007 18 years ago — 96 years old
Served as the 21st Premier of Western Australia from 1974 to 1982. Held various ministerial positions including Minister for Works and Minister for Housing. Worked to promote economic development and infrastructure improvements during the premiership. Expanded Western Australia's role in the resources sector, fostering growth in mining and industry.
Continue ReadingLudovic Stewart
Scottish nobleman and politician
Born
September 29th, 1574 451 years ago
Died
1624 401 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1574, served as the 2nd Duke of Lennox and was a prominent Scottish nobleman and politician during his lifetime. Involved in the political struggles of the time, aligned with King James VI of Scotland which later led to a considerable influence in the Scottish court. His tenure was marked by the promotion of royal authority and engagement in the political affairs of Scotland.
Continue ReadingVirginia Bruce
American actress in film and television
Born
September 29th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1982 43 years ago — 72 years old
An American actress emerged in the 1920s and became a prominent figure in early Hollywood. Achievements included lead roles in films such as 'The Marriage Playground' and 'Broadway Nights'. Worked with various studios and transitioned to sound films, appearing in notable productions during the 1930s. Played a significant role in the film industry during a transformative period, contributing to the evolution of cinematic storytelling. Continued to perform in television through the 1950s, solidifying a lasting presence in entertainment.
Continue ReadingTrevor Howard
English actor in classic films
Born
September 29th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1988 37 years ago — 74 years old
An English actor, achieved prominence in the mid-20th century. Featured in a range of films across various genres, with a notable role in "Brief Encounter" and performances in "The Third Man" and "The Bounty." Became a respected figure in the acting community for stage and screen work. Worked in partnership with acclaimed directors and fellow actors throughout a notable career in film and theater.
Continue ReadingDiana Vreeland
Fashion journalist and editor
Born
September 29th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1989 36 years ago — 86 years old
Vreeland served as the editor of Vogue from 1963 to 1971, shaping the magazine's direction and style. She previously held the position of fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar from 1936 to 1962. Vreeland introduced innovative concepts in fashion journalism and was instrumental in promoting young designers. In 1972, she became the special consultant at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she curated significant exhibitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 20th
Steve Goodman
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
July 25th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1984 41 years ago — 36 years old
Singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in 1948, gained recognition for contributions to American folk music. Started performing in the 1960s, offering a blend of humor, storytelling, and poignant lyrics, often accompanied by acoustic guitar. His song 'City of New Orleans' became a popular hit, later covered by various artists. Also noted for his work in collaboration with other musicians and for his role in the Chicago folk music scene. Goodman battled leukemia for much of his life and continued to perform until shortly before his death in 1984. His legacy lives on through his recordings and influence on subsequent musicians.
Continue ReadingJean Sibelius
Finnish composer of orchestral music
Born
December 8th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1957 68 years ago — 91 years old
A composer and violinist, celebrated for contributions to orchestral music, Sibelius created a unique Finnish national sound. Major works include seven symphonies, the violin concerto in D minor, and the tone poem "Finlandia," which reflects Finnish nationalism. Active during a time of growing national identity in Finland, Sibelius's compositions played a role in fostering cultural pride. He studied in Helsinki and later in Germany, where his style evolved.
Continue ReadingLudvík Svoboda
Czech General, 8th President of Czechoslovakia
Born
November 25th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1979 46 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1895, this individual served as a military leader during World War II and played a significant role in Czechoslovakia's resistance against Nazi occupation. After the war, held key positions in the Czechoslovak government, including Minister of National Defense. Elected as the 8th President of Czechoslovakia in 1968, tenure marked by attempts to reform the country during the Prague Spring before the Warsaw Pact invasion. Steered the nation during a period of political change until 1975.
Continue ReadingPeter Leo Gerety
American prelate and bishop
Born
July 19th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
September 20th, 2016 9 years ago — 104 years old
Ordained as a priest in 1940, served as the bishop of the Diocese of Portland, Maine from 1972 to 1986 and the bishop of the Diocese of Newark, New Jersey from 1974 until retirement in 1986. Gerety contributed to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and worked on various social justice initiatives during his tenure. He was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1986. He continued to engage with the church community and maintain an active role within it after retirement.
Continue ReadingRobert Emmet
Irish republican leader and martyr
Born
March 4th, 1778 247 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1803 222 years ago — 25 years old
A key figure in the Irish republican movement, played a central role in the 1803 rebellion against British rule. Emmet led a failed insurrection in Dublin, which sought to establish an independent Irish republic. After the rebellion's defeat, he was captured, tried, and executed. His passionate speech at the trial became famous and has a lasting legacy related to Irish nationalism. Emmet's ideals and commitment to Irish independence inspired subsequent generations of republicans.
Continue ReadingSaint-John Perse
French poet and Nobel laureate
Born
May 31st, 1887 138 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1975 50 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1887, a poet and diplomat contributed significantly to 20th-century French literature. His works reflected a blend of personal experience and vast historical cultural themes. A notable figure in the literary world, he lived in exile for several years due to political turmoil in France. During this time, the poet composed several acclaimed works that combined lyrical beauty with philosophical depth. In 1960, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his exceptional body of work, further establishing a legacy that includes notable poems influenced by his observations of nature, history, and human existence.
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