Profile of the Day

Do you have singers in your family tree? On this day in 1820, Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Image: Jenny Lind / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution CC0 Born Johanna Maria Lind on October 6, 1820, Lind was the illegitimate daughter of Niclas Jonas Lind, a bookkeeper, and Anne-Marie Felborg, a school teacher. Although divorced from her first husband, Lind’s mother refused to remarry until after his death in 1834. Her… Read the full story

Pioneering physicist and inventor Robert H. Goddard was born on October 5, 1882 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Known as the father of modern rocket propulsion, Goddard is credited with creating, building, and launching the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket.  Image: Robert H. Goddard / NASA Despite his groundbreaking work, Goddard received very little public support for his research. Ahead of his time, Goddard recognized the potential of rockets for atmospheric research, missiles and space travel. He even noted the possibility of a… Read the full story

Today we remember country music icon Loretta Lynn, who has passed away at the age of 90. Image: Loretta Lynn / Scott Schram, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Lynn was born Loretta Webb on April 14, 1932 in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. She was the second child and eldest daughter born to Melvin “Ted” Webb and Clara Marie “Clary” Ramey. Named after actress Loretta Young, Lynn grew up in a poor Appalachian mining town. At the… Read the full story

Do you remember watching The Andy Griffith Show? 62 years ago today, the classic sitcom starring Andy Griffith premiered. Image: Andy Griffith / Wikimedia Commons Set in the small town of Mayberry, the show followed the lives of the widowed sheriff, Andy Taylor, his deputy Barney Fife, his young son, Opie, and his Aunt Bee. From the moment it premiered, the show was a success. For all 8 seasons, the show consistently remained one of the most popular… Read the full story

Today we remember Holocaust survivor, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace-prize winner Elie Wiesel, who was born on this day in 1928. Image: Elie Wiesel / Library of Congress Wiesel was born on September 30, 1928 in Sighet, Romania and grew up in a close-knit Jewish community. At the age of 15, Wiesel and his family were sent to Auschwitz, where his mother and sister were killed. He and his father were later sent to… Read the full story

Do you have Spanish ancestors? Today in 1547, author Miguel de Cervantes was born in Alacalá de Henares, Spain. Image: Miguel de Cervantes / New York Public Library He was the fourth of seven children born to Rodrigo Cervantes Torreblanca, a barber-surgeon, and Leonor de Cortinas, the daughter of a nobleman. His paternal grandfather, Juan de Cervantes, was a prominent and influential lawyer, while his uncle, Andrés de Cervantes, served as mayor of the city of Cabra…. Read the full story

Do you remember watching The Ed Sullivan Show? On this day in 1901, Ed Sullivan was born. Image: Ed Sullivan / Library of Congress Edward Vincent Sullivan was born on September 28, 1901 in Harlem, New York City, New York to Peter Arthur Sullivan and Elizabeth Smith. He was born a twin, but his brother Danny died a few months after birth. Growing up, Sullivan excelled in sports and wrote for his school newspaper. After graduating, he landed… Read the full story

Today we remember Ray Charles on what would have been his 92nd birthday. Image: Ray Charles / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia. He was the son of Bailey Robinson, a mechanic, and Aretha Williams, a laundress. Around the age of four or five, Charles began to lose his sight and by the age of seven, he was completely blind. Although the family had little money,… Read the full story

On this day in 1791, English physicist Michael Faraday was born in Surrey, England. Faraday is remembered for his groundbreaking discoveries in electromagnetism. Image: Michael Faraday / Science History Institute Faraday was the third child born to James Faraday and Margaret Hastwell. His family was not well off and could only afford him a basic education. At the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship with a local bookseller and educated himself by reading a wide… Read the full story

On this day in 1866, The Time Machine author H.G. Wells was born in Bromley, Kent, England. Image: H.G. Wells / LSE Library, Flickr Wells was the fourth child born to Joseph Wells and Sarah Neal, both shopkeepers. The family struggled financially and by the age of 14, Wells became an apprentice to a draper. After finishing school, Wells became a science teacher. In 1891, he married his cousin, Isabel Mary Wells, however, the marriage did not… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Sophia Loren! Today the Italian actress turns 88. Image: Sophia Loren / Wikimedia Commons She was born Sofia Villani Scicolone on September 20, 1934 in Rome, Italy to Romilda Villani and Riccardo Scicolone. Raised in poverty, Loren would become one of Italy’s most renowned and honored actresses. Loren began her path to international stardom after entering a beauty pageant at the age of 15. In 1957, she starred in her first Hollywood film, The… Read the full story

Remember watching Batman on TV? Today we remember Adam West on what would have been his 94th birthday. Image: Adam West / Wikimedia Commons The television star was born William West Anderson on September 19, 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington. His father was a farmer and his mother was a former opera singer and concert pianist. While serving in the U.S. Army, West worked as an announcer on American Forces Network television. After getting his… Read the full story

Today we remember screen legend Lauren Bacall on what would have been her 98th birthday. Image: Lauren Bacall / Wikimedia Commons Actress Lauren Bacall was born Betty Joan Perske on September 16, 1924 in New York City, New York. She was the only child of William Perske and Natalie Weinstein, who later legally changed her surname to Bacal. After her parents divorced, Bacall was raised by her mother. Bacall began her career as a model before catching the… Read the full story

Are you a fan of Agatha Christie’s mystery novels? On this day in 1890, the best-selling author was born in Torquay, England. Image: Agatha Christie / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Christie was born on September 15, 1890 to a wealthy upper middle-class family. Educated in her home by her mother, Christie was encouraged to write from a very young age. During World War I, Christie served in a hospital as a nurse while her husband served as a… Read the full story

On the morning after the Battle of Baltimore, lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry,” which would become the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Image: Francis Scott Key / Library of Congress During the War of 1812, Key accompanied Colonel John Stuart Skinner aboard the British ship HMS Tonnant to negotiate the release of prisoners. During the negotiations, the British attacked Fort McHenry, leaving Key and Skinner powerless… Read the full story

Happy Roald Dahl Day! On this day in 1916, author Roald Dahl was born in Llandaff, Wales. Image: Roald Dahl / Library of Congress Dahl was the son of Norwegian parents, Harald Dahl and and Sofie Hesselberg. Dahl’s father was a wealthy shipbuilder and had emigrated from Sarpsborg, Norway and settled in Cardiff, Wales in the 1880s. His mother later immigrated to the UK and married his father in 1911. During World War I, Dahl… Read the full story

On this day in 1913, Olympic champion Jesse Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama. Image: Jesse Owens / Library of Congress The youngest of ten children, James Cleveland Owens was known as J.C. until the age of nine when his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in search for better work opportunities. When his new teacher asked for his name, he said “J.C.” in a heavy southern accent. The teacher misheard and thought he said “Jesse.” The name… Read the full story

Have you read Anna Karenina? On this day in 1828, author Leo Tolstoy was born at his family’s estate in Tula, Russia. Image: Leo Tolstoy / Library of Congress The Tolstoy family was a prominent family of old Russian nobility. He was the fourth child born to Count Nikolai Ilyich Tolstoy, a veteran of the Patriotic War of 1812, and Countess Maiya Tolstaya. Tolstoy’s parents died while he was young, and so his relatives helped care… Read the full story

Remember watching Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau? On this day in 1925, the iconic comedian was born in Portsmouth, England. Image: Peter Sellers / Wikimedia Commons He was born Richard Henry Sellers, but his parents called him “Peter” after his elder stillborn brother. Both of his parents were vaudeville entertainers and Sellers often accompanied his parents on the variety show circuit. In 1943, he joined the Royal Air Force and traveled with the entertainment… Read the full story

Today we remember rock and roll legend Buddy Holly, who was born on this day in 1936. Image: Buddy Holly / Wikimedia Commons Charles Hardin Holley was born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas. He was the fourth child born to Lawrence Odell “L.O.” Holley and Ella Pauline Drake and nicknamed “Buddy” by his mother. Growing up, Buddy wasn’t the only member of the family interested in music. His older brothers performed in local talent shows and… Read the full story

Today we remember French aristocrat and military officer, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, who was born on this day in 1757. Also known simply as Lafayette, the Frenchman was an important figure during the American Revolutionary War and fought alongside the Continental Army against the British. Image: Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette / Library of Congress Lafayette was born to a wealthy, aristocratic family in Auvergne, France on September 6, 1757. The Lafayette family had… Read the full story

Happy birthday to actress and comedy legend Lily Tomlin! Today the star turns 83. Image: Lily Tomlin / U.S. Department of State Tomlin was born Mary Jean Tomlin on September 1, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to Guy Tomlin and Lillie Mae Ford. After high school, Tomlin enrolled at Wayne State University to study medicine. During her time in school, she began taking theater art classes and before long, she was performing stand-up comedy at local… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Richard Gere! Today the actor turns 73. Image: Richard Gere / Francesco, Flickr (CC BY 2.0) The popular actor was born Richard Tiffany Gere in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1949. His middle name comes from his mother, whose maiden name was Tiffany. Gere’s family had deep early American roots. He descends from Mayflower passengers through both his mother and father. As a teen, Gere excelled at gymnastics and even earned a… Read the full story

Have you read the story of Frankenstein? On this day in 1797, author Mary Shelley was born. Image: Mary Shelley / Wikimedia Commons She was born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin on August 30, 1797 in London, England. She was the daughter of philosopher and novelist William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, a writer and women’s rights advocate. Shortly after her birth, Shelley’s mother died, leaving her father to raise her and her older half sister, Fanny Imlay. At the age… Read the full story

Do you remember watching Casablanca? Today we remember star Ingrid Bergman, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden on August 29, 1915. Image: Ingrid Bergman / Wikimedia Commons Bergman lost both her parents at a very young age; her mother died when she was 3 and her father passed when she was 13. After her father’s death, she was sent to live with an aunt, who died of heart disease only six months later. At 17, she… Read the full story

On this day in 1918, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson was born. A brilliant mind, Johnson’s calculations helped send the first American astronauts into space. Image: Katherine Johnson / NASA Johnson was born on August 26, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia to Joylette Roberta Lowe and Joshua McKinley Colman. A gifted student, Johnson graduated high school by the age of 14. She studied at West Virginia State College and graduated summa cum laude with… Read the full story

On this day in 1930, actor Sean Connery was born. Image: Sean Connery / Nationaal Archief, CC0 The James Bond star was born Thomas Sean Connery on August 25, 1930 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was named after his paternal grandfather, Thomas Connery, and was called “Tommy” throughout his childhood. Connery quit school at a young age and got his first job working as a milkman before joining the Royal Navy. After he was discharged for… Read the full story

On this day in 1754, Louis XVI of France was born at the Palace of Versailles. The French monarch was the last King of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. Image: Louis XVI of France / New York Public Library Louis-Auguste was the second son of Louis, the Dauphin of France, and Marie-Josèphe of Saxony, the daughter of Augustus III, the King of Poland. Louis became the Dauphin at the age of… Read the full story

On this day in 1920, author Ray Bradbury was born. Image: Ray Bradbury / Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Bradbury was born on August 22, 1920 in Waukegan, Illinois to Esther Moberg, a Swedish immigrant, and Leonard Spaulding Bradbury, a power and telephone lineman of English descent. Bradbury began writing his own stories as a child. During the Great Depression, he would sometimes use butcher paper to compose his works. It was his… Read the full story

Are you a fan of Star Trek? Today we celebrate the birthday of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, who was born on this day in 1921. Image: Gene Roddenberry / NASA Before finding success as a screenwriter and producer, Roddenberry served in the United States Army Air Force. During World War II, he flew 89 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. After the war, he continued to work as a commercial pilot… Read the full story

Today we remember actor Patrick Swayze on what would have been his 70th birthday. Image: Patrick Swayze / Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas. He was the second child of Patsy Yvonne Helen Karnes, a choreographer and dance instructor, and Jesse Wayne Swayze, an engineering draftsman. Thanks to his mother’s profession, Swayze was first introduced to dance at an early age. He showed… Read the full story

On this day in 1786, American frontiersman and folk hero Davy Crockett was born. Image: Davy Crockett / National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution CC0 David Crockett was born to John Wesley Crockett and Rebecca Hawkins in what is today Tennessee. He was named after his paternal grandfather, who was killed in a Cherokee raid at the onset of the Cherokee-American wars. Crockett gained fame for his many larger-than-life exploits. A skilled woodsman, an excellent hunter, and gifted storyteller, Crockett developed… Read the full story

Today we remember the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, who passed away on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. Image: Elvis Presley / Wikimedia Commons Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Vernon and Gladys Presley. From very humble beginnings, Elvis would go on to be one of the most successful musicians in history. In 1956, he scored his first number one hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.” Shortly after, he made his big… Read the full story

Today we remember French Emperor Napoleon I, who was born on this day in 1769. Commonly called Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military commander and emperor conquered much of Europe during his rule, making France one of the strongest empires in Europe until its collapse in 1815. Image: Napoleon I / Wikimedia Commons Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769 on the island of Corsica to Carlo Maria di Buonaparte and Maria Letizia Ramolino. Although the family were of minor Corsican… Read the full story

Do you have royal blood? On this day in 1762, George IV of the United Kingdom was born. Image: George IV / Wikimedia Commons, Rijksmuseum The first child of King George III and Queen Charlotte, George became Prince Regent in 1811 during his father’s mental illnesses and ascended to the throne following his death in 1820. George enjoyed living an extravagant lifestyle and at the age of 23, secretly and illegally married Maria Fitzherbert, a twice-widowed commoner and a Roman… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Chris Hemsworth! Today the actor turns 39. Image: Chris Hemsworth / Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Hemsworth was born on August 11, 1983 in Melbourne, Australia to Leonie van Os, an English teacher, and Craig Hemsworth, a social services counsellor. He was the second of three sons. Both of his brothers, Luke and Liam, also became notable actors. Before becoming a household name as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,… Read the full story

On this day in 1782, Vicente Guerrero, a leading general of the Mexican War of Independence and later President of Mexico, was born. A champion of the common people, Guerrero is remembered as one of the most influential leaders in Mexican history. Image: Vicente Guerrero / Wikimedia Commons Guerrero was born on August 10, 1782 in Tixtia, a small town in what is today his namesake state of Guerrero in Mexico. He was of Afro-mestizo descent and… Read the full story

On this day in 1908, space pioneer Mary G. Ross was born in Park Hill, Oklahoma. Remembered for being the first Native American female engineer, Ross’s contributions would become crucial to the development of the American space program. Image: Mary G. Ross / San Diego Air and Space Museum Ross was the second of five children born to William Ross and Mary Henrietta Moore. Her second great grandfather was John Ross, who was the longest serving Chief of… Read the full story

On this day in 1807, Swedish writer Emilie Flygare-Carlén was born. A popular writer during her lifetime, Flygare-Carlén had endured several personal hardships before turning to literature as a means of supporting her family. She became known for her realistic depictions of family life in Sweden and was widely read both within the country and around the world during the later half of the 19th century. Image: Emilie Flygare-Carlén / Wikimedia Commons She was born Emilie… Read the full story

Today we celebrate what would have been astronaut Neil Armstrong’s 92nd birthday! Image: Neil Armstrong / NASA Neil Alden Armstrong was born to Stephen Koenig Armstrong and Viola Louise in Wapakoneta, Ohio on August 5, 1930. Armstrong’s love of flying began at a young age when his father took him on his first airplane flight at the age of five. After serving in the Korean War and finishing college, Armstrong joined the National Advisory Committee for… Read the full story

On this day in 1792, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was born in Sussex, England. Regarded as one of the greatest English Romantic poets of the 19th century, Shelley’s work was often characterized as visionary and radical by his peers. Image: Percy Bysshe Shelley / Wikimedia Commons Shelley was the eldest legitimate son born to Sir Timothy Shelley, a member of Parliament, and Elizabeth Pilfold. He grew up learning to fish and hunt in the meadows around… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Tony Bennett! Today the iconic singer turns 96. Image: Tony Bennett / Nationaal Archief, CC0 Bennett was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926 in Queens, New York to John Benedetto, a grocer, and Anna Suraci, a seamstress. Growing up, Bennett had a passion for music and the arts. He began singing at the age of 10 and as a teen he worked as a singing waiter in several Italian restaurants…. Read the full story

On this day in 1589, Henry III of France died at the hands of a religious fanatic. Image: Henry III of France / Rijksmuseum, Wikimedia Commons Henry III was born on September 19, 1551 at the royal Château de Fontainebleau. The fourth son of King Henry II and Catherine de Medici, Henry was never expected to become the King of France. He ruled as the King of the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth before inheriting the French throne… Read the full story

Have you read Moby-Dick? On this day in 1819, author Herman Melville was born in New York City, New York. Image: Herman Melville / Library of Congress He was the third of eight children born to Allan Melvill and Maria Gansevoort. Both of his grandfathers were heroes of the American Revolutionary War. His paternal grandfather, Major Thomas Melvill, participated in the Boston Tea Party and served as a Major in the Continental Army. Melville’s maternal grandfather,… Read the full story

Do you enjoy the artwork of Vincent van Gogh? Today we remember the famous Dutch painter who died on this day in 1890 from a self inflicted gunshot wound. Image: Vincent van Gogh / Wikimedia Common Van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853 to an upper-middle class family. He was born exactly one year after the stillbirth of his parents’ first son, who was also named Vincent. Van Gogh had a close relationship with his… Read the full story

Today we remember former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on what would have been her 93rd birthday. Image: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis / Library of Congress She was born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on July 28, 1929 in Southhampton, New York to Wall Street stockbroker John Vernou Bouvier III and socialite Janet Norton Lee. Before marrying John F. Kennedy, she worked as an inquiring photographer at the Washington Times-Herald. The couple was first introduced by a mutual friend, journalist… Read the full story

Do you remember watching Bob Hope onscreen? The comedian died on this day in 2003 at the age of 100. Image: Bob Hope / U.S. National Archives and Records Administration He was born Leslie Townes Hope on May 29, 1903 in Eltham, London. He was the fifth of seven sons born to William Henry Hope, a stonemason, and Avis Townes, an amateur opera singer and cleaner. In 1908, the family emigrated to the United States on… Read the full story

Happy birthday to Mick Jagger! Today the Rolling Stones singer turns 79. Image: Mick Jagger / Nationaal Archief Michael Philip Jagger was born on July 26, 1943 in Dartford, Kent. His father, Basil Fanshawe Jagger, and his grandfather, David Ernest Jagger, were both teachers. His mother, Eva Ensley Mary Scutts, was a hairdresser. From a young age, Jagger loved to sing. He was classmates with Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who shared Jagger’s love of the blues…. Read the full story

On this day in 1806, abolitionist Maria Weston Chapman was born. Image: Maria Weston Chapman / Wikimedia Commons Chapman was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts to Captain Warren Richard Weston and Anne Bates. Although her family was not wealthy, they were well connected. She spent several years of her childhood living in England, where she received a good education thanks to her uncle, Joshua Bates, who was a prosperous London banker. In 1928, she became principal… Read the full story

On this day in 1849, American poet and activist Emma Lazarus was born. Lazarus is best remembered for the sonnet “The New Colossus,” and today, her iconic words, “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled Masses yearning to breath free,” can still be found inscribed on a bronze plaque at the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Image: Emma Lazarus / Wikimedia Commons Lazarus was born on July 22, 1849 in New York City, New York… Read the full story