May 11

Born in 1875 in Arcadia, Michigan, Harriet Quimby was the first American woman to earn a pilot's license in 1911. She made headlines the same year by becoming the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel in a Blériot monoplane. Quimby also broke into the film industry as a screenwriter, contributing scripts to early silent films such as The Mysterious Beauty. Known for her daring spirit, she promoted aviation among women and wrote articles to encourage female pilots. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1912 when her plane unexpectedly pitched forward and crashed during an aviation meet in Boston Harbor. Quimby's achievements paved the way for future generations of women in aviation, and she remains a symbol of courage and advancement.

Gene Savoy was an American explorer and scholar who led groundbreaking expeditions in the Andes of Peru. He claimed the discovery of several Inca sites including Vilcabamba and Pacariqtambo, revitalizing interest in ancient Andean history. Savoy founded the Institute of Andean Studies to promote research and preservation of pre-Columbian cultures. An accomplished author, he published books detailing his discoveries and theories on indigenous civilizations. His work sparked public fascination with South American archaeology and anthropology.