Week of Events
On this day in 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City
On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City. The 1,250 foot building stood as the tallest in the world until the 1970s with the construction of the World Trade Center tower. Did you know? The very upper tower of the building was originally intended as a docking station for […]
On this day in 1864, Nellie Bly was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania
On this day in 1864, American journalist Nellie Bly was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania. Bly (born Elizabeth Cochran) is famous for her daring approach to investigative journalism, and, in particular, for exposing the poor working and living conditions in urban areas. In 1887, Bly went undercover, feigning insanity in order to be admitted […]
Mary Kies becomes the first woman to receive a U.S. patent
On May 5, 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a U.S. patent for her new method of weaving straw hats using silk and thread. 👒👒👒 Did you know? First Lady Dolley Madison was so impressed with Kies’ innovation that she wrote to her with congratulations for boosting the female-dominated straw hat-making industry. […]
148th running of the Kentucky Derby
Today marks the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby! The Derby dates to 1875 and of the three races in the Triple Crown, it is the first and the most popular, attracting millions of viewers every year. 🐎 🐎 🐎 Over the years, the race has collected a variety of traditions, including mint juleps, enormous […]