June 02

Born Giuseppe Balsamo in 1743, Cagliostro adopted his noble title and portrayed himself as a master of alchemy, healing, and mystical arts. He journeyed across European courts, offering his services as a healer and diviner while cultivating a reputation for enigmatic charisma. His connection to the Affair of the Diamond Necklace scandal in France (1785) tarnished his standing amid accusations of fraud. Later arrested by the Roman Inquisition in 1789, he died in imprisonment in 1795. His life has since inspired countless legends, novels, and investigations into occult practices of the 18th century.

Born in 1774, William Lawson emigrated from England to New South Wales, where he joined Gregory Blaxland and William Wentworth in the landmark 1813 expedition across the Blue Mountains. Their journey opened the way for inland settlement and expansion of agriculture in Australia. After his return, Lawson acquired large land grants and entered colonial politics, serving on the Legislative Council of New South Wales. He advocated for the interests of settlers and contributed to the region’s governance during its formative years. Lawson’s legacy endures in place names and his role in expanding the possibilities of the early colony.

Charles 'Pete' Conrad was born in 1930 in Pennsylvania and became a naval aviator and test pilot. Selected by NASA in 1962, he flew on the Gemini 5 and Gemini 11 missions, demonstrating exceptional piloting skill. In 1969, as commander of Apollo 12, he became the third human to set foot on the lunar surface. Conrad later commanded the first crewed Skylab mission, contributing to long-duration spaceflight research. He logged over 500 flight hours in space and received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. After retiring from NASA and the Navy, he worked in industry before his death in a motorcycle accident in 1999.