LeVar Burton is finding unsurprising success in his Kickstarted efforts to bring Reading Rainbow to kids everywhere.
Happy Birthday NASA!
July 29, 1958: NASA is Created
On this day in 1958, the United States Congress passed legislation creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Since its creation, NASA has played a vital role in coordinating all of the US’ activity in space. The agency spearheads and sponsors space exhibitions and has launched numerous orbiting satellites that have produced information about the solar system and universe.
In recent years, many feel that NASA has experienced numerous setbacks. The most significant being the end of the space shuttle program in 2011.
Celebrate NASA’s birthday with PBS NewsHour’s video of the agency’s newest vehicle “Curiosity.”
photo:Astronaut Edward H. White II’s Space Walk on Gemini IV ca.1965, (NASA)
July 26, 1775: U.S. Postal System is Established
On this day in 1775, the United States postal system was created by the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the first Postmaster General.
Upon his departure in 1776, he left a vastly improved mail system, with routes from Florida to Maine and regular service between the U.S and Britain.
Visit the Benjamin Franklin site to learn more about the Man of Letters.
Photo: (1) Interior of a post office showing post office boxes and an postmaster greeting two children and a woman c. 1901 (Library of Congress) (2) Benjamin Franklin, 1783 (Library of Congress).
In somewhat ironic timing, yesterday, NPR ran a story about a House bill that aims to stop door-to-door postal service, while keeping the cheaper mailbox service. ]
The PBS special 10 Buildings that Changed America, which premieres May 12, explains the origins of some of the country’s most influential building styles.