1. Education

Helen Keller

Picture of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

When she was 19 months old, Helen Keller was stricken with an illness that left her deaf and blind. She escaped a life of isolation when Annie Sullivan, a teacher, taught her how to communicate. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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20th Century History Spotlight10

History Quote of the Week

Thursday May 17, 2012

"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold."
-- Quote by Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind

For more: History Quotes, Helen Keller Biography

Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of the World

Thursday May 3, 2012

Eleanor Roosevelt was always serious. When she was young, her mother even used to call her "Granny," a name that upset little Eleanor. When she was older, Eleanor put that seriousness to good use.

When she was First Lady of the United States, Eleanor decided that there should be more to that position than just being a good hostess at the White House. Instead, Eleanor Roosevelt became a champion of equal rights for women and minorities. She also became actively involved in her husband's work by traveling all around the country in his name. When her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away, she at first thought to end her career. Luckily she changed her mind and became a delegate to the newly created United Nations.

In the first half of the twentieth century, Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most revered women in the world. Learn more about this amazing woman by reading this biography of Eleanor Roosevelt.

History Quote of the Week

Thursday May 3, 2012

"Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."
--Quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States and delegate to the United Nations

For More: History Quotes, Eleanor Roosevelt Biography

Harry Houdini: The Handcuff King

Friday April 27, 2012

Harry Houdini, the great escape artist, made his living creating increasingly risky death-defying stunts that usually involved handcuffs and frequently involved water. But how did this great magician get his start? Why did he pretend to be a spirit medium? How many movies did he appear in? How did he die? Find all this out plus more in this biography of Harry Houdini.

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