June 21

Frances Adeline Seward was born into one of New York's prominent families in 1824. She married William H. Seward and became a key supporter during his political career. Her home was a gathering place for leading politicians and intellectuals of the era. Known for her sharp intellect, she managed family affairs and offered counsel to her husband on diplomatic matters. During the Civil War, she tended to wounded soldiers and organized relief efforts. Though overshadowed by her husband's achievements, her social influence left a lasting mark on Washington society.

Gideon Sundback (1880–1954) was a Swedish-American electrical engineer whose innovative work in fastening technology led to the invention of the modern zipper. Joining the Universal Fastener Company in 1909, he enhanced earlier designs and in 1917 patented the 'separable fastener,' which became the basis for today's zippers. His invention revolutionized the garment and leather industries by providing a reliable and mass-producible closure system. Sundback's designs were licensed by leading manufacturers, including the Talon Company. His contributions earned him the title 'father of the zipper,' and his invention remains ubiquitous in clothing and gear worldwide.

James Earl Chaney (1943–1964) was an American civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in the 1964 Freedom Summer voter registration project in Mississippi. Working alongside Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, he organized efforts to register African American voters in the face of violent white supremacist opposition. Chaney was brutally murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan, an atrocity that galvanized national support for the civil rights movement. His sacrifice contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Remembered for his courage and commitment to equality, Chaney's legacy continues to inspire social justice efforts today.

Andrew Goodman was an American civil rights activist born in 1943. He became active in the Congress of Racial Equality and volunteered for the 1964 Freedom Summer voter registration project in Mississippi. Goodman worked to register African American voters facing violent opposition from white segregationists. On June 21, 1964, he was abducted and murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan alongside fellow activists James Chaney and Michael Schwerner. Their deaths sparked national outrage and helped prompt the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Goodman’s legacy endures through memorials, scholarships, and educational programs that honor his dedication to racial justice.

Michael Schwerner was an American civil rights activist born in 1939. As a field organizer for the Congress of Racial Equality, he helped coordinate the 1964 Freedom Summer voter registration campaign in Mississippi. Schwerner worked alongside Andrew Goodman and James Chaney to empower African American communities through civic engagement. On June 21, 1964, he was abducted and killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan, drawing nationwide condemnation of racial violence. His death significantly elevated public awareness of the civil rights struggle and influenced the enactment of key federal legislation. Schwerner’s commitment to equality continues to inspire activists and commemorations around the world.

Margaret Herrick was an American librarian and film historian born in 1902. She joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1936 as its first librarian and was instrumental in building its archives. Herrick organized and expanded the Academy’s collection of scripts, photographs, and press materials, preserving Hollywood’s history. In 1945, she became the Academy’s executive director and guided its growth during the Golden Age of cinema. In recognition of her contributions, the Academy named its research library the Margaret Herrick Library in 1976. Herrick died on June 21, 1976, and her legacy endures through the continued work of the library she founded.

Charles Krauthammer (1950–2018) was a prominent political columnist for The Washington Post and a leading conservative voice in American media. After a spinal stroke ended his medical career, he joined journalism, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987. Known for his sharp wit and deep insights, he influenced debates on foreign policy and domestic politics. A Harvard graduate who also taught at the University of Chicago, Krauthammer was a respected fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His columns and television appearances made him a household name until his death on June 21, 2018.