The Gnadenhütten Massacre (1782)

During the American Revolution, the Lenape, or Delaware, group of Native Americans found itself divided on the issue of which side, if any, to take in the conflict. Some members elected to fight against the Americans, while others—particularly Christian converts—remained neutral. In 1782, an American militia seeking revenge for Native American raids on frontier settlements killed 96 Christian Delawares in Gnadenhütten, Ohio. What military leader was later killed in retaliation for Gnadenhütten? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bridge Crossing Jubilee

This annual event in Selma, Alabama, commemorates “Bloody Sunday,” which occurred on March 7, 1965, when a group of about 525 African-American demonstrators gathered at Browns Chapel to demand the right to vote. Every year on the first weekend in March, the Bridge Crossing Jubilee commemorates both the bloody confrontation at the Pettus Bridge and the march from Selma to Montgomery that followed. Events include a parade, a Miss Jubilee Pageant, a mock trial, and a commemorative march to the bridge. Every five years, celebrants continue all the way to Montgomery. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Kenneth Grahame (1859)

Grahame was an English author best known for writing The Wind in the Willows, whose anthropomorphic animal characters—Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad—captivatingly combine human traits with authentic animal habits. Though a children’s classic, it has been enjoyed by readers of all ages since its publication in 1908. In addition to writing, Grahame worked as at the Bank of England for some time. What happened to him when a man supposedly opened fire on him at the bank in 1903? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Quinoa

Quinoa is a tall annual herb whose seeds have provided a staple food for peoples of the higher Andes since pre-Columbian times. In the Inca Empire, where only the potato was more widely grown, quinoa is said to have been sacred. The year’s first furrows were opened ceremoniously with a gold implement. In the US and other non-Andean nations, quinoa is now a popular alternative to rice and other grains for its higher protein content. What is typically removed from freshly harvested quinoa seeds? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Antoninus Pius Is Succeeded by Co-Emperors (161)

When Emperor Antoninus Pius died in 161, Marcus Aurelius accepted the throne on the condition that he and Lucius Verus be made joint emperors—an unprecedented political arrangement in the Roman Empire. Aurelius likely sought the partnership so Verus could directly command Roman legions in the empire’s nearly constant war efforts. Verus was authoritative enough to command the loyalty of the troops and powerful enough that he had little incentive to overthrow Marcus. Did Verus remain loyal? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Bal du Rat Mort

A huge carnival and ball, Bal du Rat Mort is concentrated in the casino of Ostende, Belgium, but also spread out all over the town. The carnival began at the end of the 19th century, launched by members of the Oostende Art and Philanthropic Circle (Circle Coecilia) who named the affair for a café on Montmartre (a hilly part of northern Paris, home to many artists) where they had whiled away pleasant hours. People are masked at the ball, and there’s a competition for the best costume. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Janet Guthrie (1938)

Before becoming the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, race car driver Janet Guthrie worked as an aerospace engineer. She began racing in 1963. By the end of 1977, she had competed in two of racing’s most prestigious events—the Daytona 500 and Indy 500. She has since been inducted into both the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and her race suit and helmet are in the Smithsonian Institution. What record does she hold? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary