October Factoids

October 1-31

Visit the Knowitall blog for helpful information on using Knowitall all through the month! 

OCTOBER OBSERVANCES (Month):

Archaeology Month

View our new Archaeology Collection!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Health Literacy Month

View our Knowitall Healthy Collection!

Hispanic Heritage Month  

Continues through October 15. View our Hispanic Heritage Collection! 

National Book Month

Visit Our Libraries, Literature & Learning Collection

National Bullying Prevention Month

View "Project Lead SC." Teenage girls face unique pressures every day. Between issues with bullying, body image, boys, friends and “frenemies,” life during that awkward transitional period can feel like it’s filled with challenges. Project Lead SC is a video series for young women that follows notable women in South Carolina to gather advice about what makes a successful leader. 

TeenTober

View the resources in the Libraries, Literature & Learning Collection and see what may be of interest to teens you know and love!

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OCTOBER OBSERVANCES (Week):

Fire Prevention Week – Oct. 4-10, 2020

World Space Week – Oct. 4 -10, 2020

America’s Safe Schools Week – October 18-24, 2020

National Friends of Libraries Week – October 18-24, 2020

National School Bus Safety Week – October 19-23, 2020 

Media Literacy Week – October 26-30, 2020

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OCTOBER OBSERVANCES (Day):

Click on a number below.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

 

2

Birthdays

October 2, 1869 is the birthday of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi. He was born in Porbandar, India. Gandhi was famous world-wide for his devout lifestyle, and for non-violent resistance, which ended British rule in India. (Periscope)

On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first African American associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Serving until 1991, he was known for opposing discrimination, and the death penalty. Marshall also championed civil liberties and free speech. (Road Trip)

International Day of Non-Violence

MFG Day (Manufacturing Day)

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3

On October 3, 1935, Charles Moss "Charlie" Duke Jr. was born. He was one of the twelve people to walk on the Moon, and did so on the historic Apollo 16 mission in 1972. (S.C. Hall Of Fame)

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5

Birthdays

On October 5, 1959, Maya Lin was born. She is an American designer and artist who is known for her work in sculpture and land art. (Artopia)

National Child Health Day

World Habitat Day

The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. "Solutions begin with small steps individuals can take to alter the way our cities function. We must reduce the amount of waste we produce, and, at the same time, start seeing it as a valuable resource that can be re-used and recycled, including for energy." — UN Secretary-General António Guterres

World Teacher's Day

A day for appreciating teachers for their special contributions to education.  Let your favorite teacher know how special he or she is and how much you appreciate his or her decision to go into education!  Say thank you!

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7

On October 7, 1780, the Battle of Kings Mountain took place. A thousand patriot militia men, known as the "Over The Mountain Men," surrounded and attacked the British troops and Loyalist soldiers, led by Major Patrick Ferguson. This battle would become a major victory and turn the tides for the patriots. (Southern Campaign Of The American Revolution)

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11

Birthdays

On October 11, 1852, George Watt Park was born. He was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 1988 for his successful business, George W Park Seed Company, Inc. (Legacy Of Leadership Profile)

On October 11, 1918, Jerome Robbins was born. He is recipient of numerous awards including two Academy Awards, four Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Screen Directors' Guild Award. (Artopia)

International Day of the Girl

View these Series & Collections that place the spotlight on women who have made a difference!

Series

Collections

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12

Indigenous People’s Day (Native American Day) 

Native American Heritage Collection

Columbus Day

U.S holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. (Periscope)

National Farmer’s Day

Career Education (Subject Area) Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

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13

On October 13, 1933, Gayle O. Averyt was born. Averyt served as chairman of the Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, and was a leader in the development of the Republican Party in South Carolina and inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 1998. (Legacy Of Leadership Profile)

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16

On October 16, 1888, Eugene O'Neill was born. This playwright revolutionized the American theater with his tragedies, setting the path for other influential playwrights. (Artopia)

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17

October 17-25, 1944: During the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf took place off the Phillippine Islands. 216 U.S. warships faced off against 64 Japanese ships, and resulted in the destruction of the Japanese navy. (South Carolinians In WW II)

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20

National Pharmacy Technician Day

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21

On October 21, 1917, jazz great Dizzy Gillespie (born as John Birks Gillespie) was born in Cheraw, South Carolina. Known for his puffed cheeks and bent trumpet, he was a trumpet player, composer, band leader, and one of the founding fathers of modern jazz. (Carolina Stories)

On October 21, 1925, Celia Cruz was born. She won the Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album in 1989 and was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1994. (Artopia)

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23

Birthdays

On October 23, 1883, Archibald Rutledge was born. He was named South Carolina's first Poet Laureate and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. (S.C. Hall Of Fame)

Mole Day

A day on which we hope to encourage interest in chemistry. 

Additional profiles on chemists are available by searching “chemist” or simply click here! 

National Paralegal Day

Paralegal | Hot Jobs

 

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24 

United Nations Day 

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25

On October 25, 1881, Pablo Picasso was born. He is said to have set the tone for all modern art in the 20th century. (Artopia)

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26

On October 26, 1757, Charles Pinckney was born. He is one of the oldest and most historically distinguished names in South Carolina. (Forgotten Founder)

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28

National First Responders Day 

Emergency/Medical Care

Firefighters

Police

Make a Difference Day 

A day dedicated to making a difference in someone else's life. Check our Career Education page to see the various ways you can make a difference!

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29

National Cat Day

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31

Halloween

Explore ghosts, legends and lore from South Carolina's past in our Halloween Collection.

We have some great ghost stories that will captivate your students! From Alice of the Hermitage to Bubba, from Lizard Man to Stumphouse Tunnel, these stories will “shiver your timbers!”

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These factoids were compiled by Imani-Grace King, 2017 ETV Endowment Intern.

Updated by Andrew Davis, Media Production Assistant, 2018. (Digital Media/Knowitall)

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