Shows
What futuristic 1950s show followed the adventures of a space ranger named Buzz and his companion, Rocky?
Rocky Jones, Space Ranger
What song by Bill Haley & His Comets is often credited with starting the rock and roll craze in 1955?
Rock Around the Clock
What war ended in 1953 with an armistice, but not a peace treaty?
The Korean War
Who became the leader of Cuba after a revolution that began in the late 1950s?
Fidel Castro
In 1953, what scientific discovery did James Watson and Francis Crick announce?
The structure of DNA — the double helix
Which 1950s show had a family with a talking dog and a boy named Timmy?
Lassie
What female singer was known for “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?”
Patti Page
In 1955, which brave woman refused to give up her seat on a bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Rosa Parks
What major civil rights event began in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus?
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
What device, first sold commercially in 1954, allowed people to heat food quickly using radio waves?
The microwave oven
What popular 1950s variety show featured a cast of young singers and dancers known as the “Mouseketeers”?
The Mickey Mouse Club
What 1950s duo was known for hits like “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie”?
The Everly Brothers
What popular toy was first sold in 1959 and became an instant hit with children?
The Barbie doll
What was the name of the U.S. senator who led the anti-communist “Red Scare” investigations in the early 1950s?
Senator Joseph McCarthy
What was the first successful U.S. satellite, launched in 1958?
Explorer 1
What classic sitcom starred Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, a bus driver from Brooklyn?
The Honeymooners
What popular 1950s singer was known for his smooth voice and songs like “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable”?
Nat King Cole
In 1957, what was the name of the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union?
Sputnik 1
In 1954, what U.S. Supreme Court case ended racial segregation in public schools?
Brown v. Board of Education
What is the name of the planet known as Earth’s “twin” because it’s similar in size?
Venus
What long-running variety show was hosted by a smiling man known for his catchphrase, “Heeeere’s Johnny!”?
The Tonight Show (originally with Steve Allen, but Johnny Carson became famous later)
Which singer was famous for hits like “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day”?
Buddy Holly
What famous couple married in 1953 in a royal ceremony watched by millions around the world?
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
(Technically married in 1947 — for a true 1953 event: her coronation took place in 1953.)
Which country launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957?
The Soviet Union
Which planet was once considered the ninth planet but is now classified as a dwarf planet?
Pluto