January 06

Blind from age three, Braille entered the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris and sought better reading methods. At 15, he devised the six-dot Braille system, enabling tactile reading of letters, numbers, and music. His code empowered blind individuals with independence in education and communication. Despite early resistance, he championed adoption of his system throughout Europe. Braille died in 1852, but his invention continues to open worlds of knowledge to millions worldwide.

William Anderson 'Devil Anse' Hatfield led the Hatfield family during their notorious 19th-century feud with the McCoys, a conflict that became emblematic of Appalachian vendettas. Under his leadership, the Hatfields engaged in raids, court battles, and occasional violence that drew national attention and a U.S. Supreme Court case. Despite his fearsome nickname, he was also a patriarch who oversaw family farms and businesses in Logan County, West Virginia. The feud officially ended in the early 20th century after several reconciliations and legal interventions. Devil Anse's life has since inspired numerous books, TV dramas, and folklore about honor, loyalty, and frontier justice.

Born into an aristocratic family in Brussels in 1876, Henri de Baillet-Latour studied law before joining the IOC. He succeeded Pierre de Coubertin as President in 1925 and guided the Olympic movement during the 1928 and 1932 Games. Baillet-Latour navigated complex political tensions and promoted amateurism and Olympic ideals. He oversaw planning for the canceled 1940 Games and worked to maintain unity among member nations. His tenure solidified the IOC's structure and traditions until his death in 1942.

Born in 1878 in what is now Estonia, Jacques Rosenbaum studied architecture in Germany and brought Art Nouveau to the Baltic region. His work combined national romantic motifs with flowing lines and decorative details. Rosenbaum designed notable villas and public buildings in Tartu and Tallinn, leaving a distinct mark on urban landscapes. Active through the early 20th century, he adapted his style to changing tastes and materials. Many of his buildings are today celebrated as cultural landmarks in Estonia.