Birth of Gwendolyn Brooks
Poet, author, and teacher Gwendolyn Brooks was born on June 7, 1917, in Topeka, Kansas. The poet laureate of Illinois, she was the first Black American writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Art
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Happy Birthday Walt Whitman
Acclaimed poet Walter Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Considered one of the most influential American poets, he’s also been called the father of free verse.
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Opening of the Chrysler Building
On May 27, 1930, the Chrysler Building, the tallest man-made structure at the time, opened to the public.
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Death of William Shakespeare
Renowned playwright, poet, and actor, William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. Today, Shakespeare is considered the greatest English writer, England’s national poet and the Bard of Avon.
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American Folk Art Series
On April 13, 1977, the USPS issued the first stamps in the American Folk Art Series. The Folk Art Series honored important and lesser-known items in American art and culture.
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USPS Introduces Nature of America Series
On April 6, 1999, the USPS issued the first stamp sheet in its 12-year Nature of America series. This popular series featured the first US self-adhesive sheets designed as one large scene.
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American Revolution Sesquicentennial
On April 4, 1925, the US Post Office issued the first three stamps in a multi-year series honoring important events and people from the American Revolution. The stamps were issued for the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of the Revolution.
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Birth of Hans Christian Andersen
Danish author Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805, in Odense, Funen, Kingdom of Denmark-Norway. Best known as an author of Fairy Tales, his birthday is celebrated as International Children’s Book Day.
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Birth of J.C. Leyendecker
Illustrator Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born on March 23, 1874, in Montabaur, Rhine Province, German Empire. He was one of the most popular and recognized illustrators of his day – popularizing the images of Baby New Year, Santa Claus, and more.
