June Culture and Technology
On June 22nd, 1955, Disney released this movie about a pampered cocker spaniel who runs away from home after her life is upended by a new baby and finds freedom and romance with a streetwise mutt.
What is the Lady and the Tramp?
While it received mixed initial reviews from film critics who felt it lacked narrative punch, it was a massive commercial success. Over the decades, its reception completely shifted and it is now universally celebrated as a heartwarming, iconic gem of American animation.
On June 17, 1885, this iconic statue arrived in New York Harbor from France.
What is the Statue of Liberty?
Too large to transport assembled, the massive copper statue was disassembled into 350 individual pieces and packed into 214 wooden crates
This architect, often considered the founder of American modernism and the greatest American architect, was born June 8, 1867.
Who is Frank Lloyd Wright?
Over a prolific seven-decade career, he designed more than 1,100 structures, revolutionizing residential and commercial spaces by championing “organic architecture”—the philosophy that buildings should exist in complete harmony with their natural surroundings and inhabitants.
A wise, laid-back sheriff of the sleepy fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina, relies on common sense to solve community problems and raise his young son with the help of his aunt, all while tolerating the humorous, well-meaning antics of his excitable deputy.
The Andy Griffith Show
Premiering in 1960 and running for eight seasons, the first 159 episodes were filmed in black and white; they switched to full color episodes in season 6.
On June 25, 1951, the television special, Premier, aired on CBS as the first commercially-sponsored program to be broadcast in this format.
What is color?
Unfortunately most of the American public was unable to watch the broadcast, as black and white television sets were unable to render the signal. At the time of the broadcast there were no color television sets available for purchase and due to the Korean war, production was halted for two more years.
On June 4, 1919, Congress passed the 19th Amendment giving women the right to do this.
What is vote?
The fight for women’s suffrage gained national momentum in 1848. The specific amendment was first drafted and introduced to Congress in 1878 by suffragist leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
This comedian and actress, born June 8th, 1933, was the first woman to host a late night network television talk show.
Joan Rivers
Known for her blunt and acerbic comedic persona, she rose to prominence as a guest on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. She also hosted a popular daytime talk show and authored 12 best-selling books.
The wife of a band leader constantly tries to become a star – despite having no discernible talent – and gets herself, along with her best friend, into the funniest predicaments.
I Love Lucy
Spanning 181 episode from 1951-1957, I Love Lucy pioneered the use of multiple, simultaneously filming cameras and filming in front of a live studio audience, which is still popular in sitcoms today.
This communication system of dots and dashes was patented June 20, 1840.
What is Morse Code?
Samuel FB Morse was inspired to build his system of transmitting signals across electromagnetic wires after he received a letter by (horse) mail that his wife was ill and he arrived home too late.
On June 28th, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, Crown Prince of Austria and his wife were assassinated at Sarajevo, touching off a conflict between the Austro-Hungarian government and Serbia that escalated into this global conflict.
What is World War I?
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Central Powers. Major areas of conflict included Europe and the Middle East, as well as parts of Africa and the Asia-Pacific.
Born June 22, 1949, this actress is widely recognized as one of the greatest performers of her generation, known for her roles in Sophie's Choice, the Bridges of Madison County, Mamma Mia, and many more.
Who is Meryl Streep?
One of the most acclaimed performers in Academy Awards history, she has been received a record twenty-one nominations. She has taken home the trophy three times--giving her the distinction of the most Oscar losses.
A smart and fearless collie dog uses her exceptional intelligence and loyalty to perform heroic tasks, protect her human companions, and save the day!
Lassie
Debuting in 1954, this series ran for 19 seasons! It evolved through several settings and companions, transitioning from farm life with young boys like Jeff and Timmy to wilderness adventures with forest rangers.
This blockbuster movie made everyone nervous to swim for many years after it released on June 20, 1975.
JAWS
Directed by Steven Spielberg with a iconic soundtrack by John Williams, JAWS became an immediate hit, becoming the template for the summer blockbuster.
On June 17, 1972, five men working for the Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Building, setting off a chain of events that led to the resignation of this president.
Who is Richard Nixon?
This botched burglary also led to 69 government officials being charged in total and a massive re-evaluation of executive power.
Born June 9th, 1961, this actor became a teen idol in the early 80s due to his roles on television and in films such as Teen Wolf and the Back to the Future franchise.
Who is Michael J Fox?
Following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in the 1990s, Michael became an advocate for finding a cure and launched his foundation to raise money for research.
A United States astronaut finds his life vastly complicated when he stumbles on to a bottle containing a 2,000-year-old female genie.
I Dream of Jeannie
Starring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, the show premiered in the fall of 1965 and ran for five seasons.
On June 18th, 1983, she became the first American woman and youngest American astronaut in space on the Space Shuttle Challenger STS-7 mission.
Who is Sally Ride?
Ride made history again by becoming the first person to use the shuttle's robotic arm to successfully deploy and retrieve a satellite in space.
On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on this nation.
What is Britain?
The United States objected to British restrictions on American trade with Napoleonic France and to the Royal Navy's forced conscription of seamen from American vessels, including men the United States considered American citizens.
This American actor, director and documentary narrator known for his distinctive deep voice was born on June 1, 1937.
Who is Morgan Freeman?
A highly decorated film and stage actor, his career has spanned over five decades and earned him an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild award, and a Tony award nomination.
This legal drama follows a brilliant but cantankerous Atlanta defense attorney who investigates murder cases, exposes the true killers in dramatic courtroom showdowns, and consistently clears his innocent clients' names.
Matlock
Debuting in March of 1986, the series marked the return to a television series for Andy Griffith. It aired on NBC for the first six seasons, and then moved to ABC until the end of the series in 1995.