Television

Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. One of TV’s most beloved stars, she’s been called “The First Lady of Television” and “The Queen of Comedy.”

Gwendolyn L. Ifill was born on September 29, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens. The first African American woman to host a national political show and moderate a vice presidential debate, she was widely known and respected for her integrity and ability to remain unbiased.

Ethel Lois Payne was born on August 14, 1911, in Chicago, Illinois. Known as the “First Lady of the Black Press,” he was the first black female war correspondent in Vietnam and the first black female commentator on a major radio and television network.

On January 5, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation authorizing the creation of America’s first space shuttle, the “world’s first reusable spacecraft.”

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.

Famed American conductor Arthur Fiedler was born on December 17, 1894, in Boston, Massachusetts. 

On December 9, 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on television.

Journalist and author Arnold Eric Sevareid was born on November 26, 1912, in Velva, North Dakota. 

Legendary TV personality Ed Sullivan was born on September 28, 1901, in Harlem, New York City.