January 25

Born around 1345 into the Plantagenet dynasty, Maud de Ufford was the granddaughter of King Edward III of England. She married Thomas de Vere, 8th Earl of Oxford, and managed extensive estates after his death. A prominent figure at court, she navigated the complexities of English politics during the reign of her cousin King Richard II. Known for her charitable activities and patronage of religious institutions, Maud founded several chapels and supported the Poor Clares. In her later years, she faced legal challenges over property rights but maintained her influence through strategic alliances. She died on January 25, 1413, leaving a legacy of cultural patronage and noble resilience.

Born into the House of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Princess Adelheid (1835-1900) married Frederick VIII, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein. As Duchess, she presided over the ducal court and maintained close ties with European royalty. She witnessed the unification of Germany and navigated the complexities of court life amidst political change. Known for her patronage of local charities and support of the arts, she contributed to cultural development in Schleswig-Holstein. Princess Adelheid died in 1900, remembered for her dedication to her duchy and her role in European high society.

Born in 1851 in Wisconsin, Frank Avery Hutchins became a passionate advocate for public access to books. He established the state's first traveling library system, bringing literature to rural communities. As secretary of the Wisconsin Free Library Commission, he surveyed library conditions and promoted supportive legislation. He co-founded the Wisconsin Library Association and influenced the creation of the American Library Association. Hutchins's vision and innovations laid the foundation for modern library services. He died in 1914, leaving a lasting legacy in American librarianship.

Born in Brooklyn in 1899 to Italian immigrant parents, Alphonse 'Al' Capone became the most infamous crime boss of his era. He rose to power in Chicago during Prohibition, orchestrating bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering operations. Capone's ruthless tactics and high-profile violence, including the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, made him a national symbol of organized crime. Despite his criminal empire, he cultivated a public image as a generous benefactor by donating to local charities. In 1931, he was convicted of tax evasion and served time at Alcatraz, effectively ending his reign. He died in 1947 from complications of syphilis and cardiac arrest, leaving a lasting legacy in American criminal history.

Born in 1906, Johnson co-founded the Department of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, influencing generations of architects. He championed early modernism, collaborating with Mies van der Rohe on the iconic Seagram Building. In later years, Johnson embraced postmodernism, as seen in his Glass House in Connecticut. His bold designs, such as the reflective towers of PPG Place, left a lasting imprint on urban landscapes. Johnson received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1979 for his lifetime achievements. He continued to practice until his death in 2005, shaping architectural discourse for nearly eight decades.

Manners directed over 60 episodes of The X-Files, helping define the show's visual style. He began his career as a stunt performer before moving behind the camera. He earned multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series. His collaborations with Chris Carter spanned the 1990s, shaping the era of sci-fi television. He also produced the long-running series Supernatural, earning praise for his dynamic storytelling.

Neagu Djuvara was born in 1916 into an aristocratic Romanian family and studied philosophy and law in Bucharest and Paris. He served as a diplomat for Romania prior to World War II and spent decades abroad before returning home in the 1990s. Djuvara became a leading historian, publishing acclaimed works on Romanian and Balkan history that blended scholarly rigor with accessible narrative. He wrote essays on culture and politics, engaging the public with his erudition and wit. As a novelist, he explored historical themes and personal experiences, while his journalism contributed to vibrant intellectual debates. Revered for his multidisciplinary scholarship, Djuvara influenced generations of scholars and readers. He passed away in 2018, leaving an enduring mark on Romanian cultural life.