Biographies Resources

In 2003, New York Governor George E. Pataki established March 10 as Harriet Tubman Day. Harriet Tubman was born a slave in 1820, but escaped north to freedom in 1849. Instead of enjoying her newfound freedom, however, she returned south …[Continue]

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader. In November 1983, President Reagan signed legislation creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, making it the third national holiday born in the twentieth century. The first was …[Continue]

America’s sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) is revered for ending slavery, and preserving the Union by winning the Civil War. But perhaps he is best known for his Gettysburg Address of 1863 and being …[Continue]

Eleanor Roosevelt (October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962) created a new standard for First Ladies because instead of retreating to a private life of decorating and entertaining, Eleanor continued her public life by holding press conferences, giving lectures, doing …[Continue]

“In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” And his arrival in the West Indies led to enduring links between Europe and the Americas. In the early years of our nation’s history, Christopher Columbus was raised to hero …[Continue]

Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926) was a legendary twentieth-century American magician, escape artist, contortionist and showman. Born Erich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, he immigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 1878. Here’s where his spirit …[Continue]

Roald Dahl was a writer with a wild imagination, and a gift for sharing his vision. Some of his children’s books have been made into movies. Perhaps you’ve seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and Giant Peach or Matilda? …[Continue]