Death of Stephen Foster
On January 13, 1864, Stephen Foster, the “father of American music,” died in New York City.
Art
Birth of the Space Shuttle Program
On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation authorizing the creation of America’s first space shuttle, the “world’s first reusable spacecraft.”
Birth of Oscar Micheaux
Author, director, and producer Oscar Devereaux Micheaux was born on January 2, 1884, in Metropolis, Illinois.
It’s Howdy Doody Time!
On December 27, 1947, Howdy Doody made his television debut on Puppet Playhouse. Howdy Doody was one of the first TV programs made for children and produced in color.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
On December 26, 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts was founded – the first and oldest art museum and art school in the country. The Academy was the brainchild of artist Charles Willson Peale, sculptor Benjamin Rush, and other artists and businessmen.
Birth of Arthur Fiedler
Famed American conductor Arthur Fiedler was born on December 17, 1894, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Happy Birthday Bill Mauldin
William Henry “Bill” Mauldin was born on October 29, 1921, in Mountain Park, New Mexico.
Birth of Romare Bearden
Artist Romare Bearden was born September 2, 1911, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Birth of Mary Cassatt
Artist Mary Stevenson Cassatt was born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny City (present-day Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania.