July 05

Mary Walcott (1675–1719) was an American colonist who became one of the principal accusers in the Salem witch trials. At the age of 17, she delivered dramatic testimonies that contributed to the conviction of several alleged witches. Her accusations reflected the fear and religious fervor of Puritan New England. After the trials, she married Isaac Farrar and led a quiet life away from public scrutiny. Historians study her role to understand mass hysteria and legal practices in colonial America.

François Carlo Antommarchi (1780–1838) was a Corsican-born French doctor best known as the last personal physician to Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on Saint Helena. Educated in Pisa and Paris, he joined Napoleon's entourage in 1819 and attended the emperor until his death in 1821. After St. Helena, Antommarchi published detailed accounts of Napoleon's final illness and anatomical studies, sparking controversy and interest across Europe. He later served as a military surgeon in the Americas before returning to Europe. Antommarchi's medical writings and relics of Napoleon continue to fascinate historians and collectors.

William Thomas Stead (1849–1912) was an influential British journalist known for his groundbreaking use of investigative techniques. As editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, he exposed social evils, including child prostitution and government corruption. Stead coined the term 'investigative journalism' and inspired reform through his bold exposés. He advocated for peace and international cooperation, founding the Review of Reviews magazine. Stead perished on the Titanic in 1912, leaving a legacy in modern journalism practices.

George Costakis was born in Moscow in 1913 to a Greek merchant family and became a passionate collector of Russian avant-garde art. At a time when many of these works were suppressed by the Soviet regime, he amassed one of the world’s largest private holdings of abstract and constructivist pieces. In the 1960s, he opened his home as an informal museum, attracting international scholars and curators. After emigrating to Greece in 1977, he negotiated the sale of a major portion of his collection to the State Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki. Costakis continued to promote Russian modernism through lectures and publications until his death in 1990. His dedication preserved key works that might otherwise have been lost to history.

Dorothy “Babe” Paley was born in Boston in 1915 and rose to prominence as a leading American socialite. Married to CBS founder William S. Paley, she became an icon of mid-century style and taste. Paley co-founded Vogue’s International Best Dressed List and was celebrated for her impeccable wardrobe and entertaining skills. A close friend of Truman Capote’s “Swans,” she epitomized high society glamour in New York and Palm Beach. Her life and style have inspired fashion retrospectives and biographies. Paley’s influence on fashion and social culture endured long after her death in 1978.

David Morrow built a prominent broadcasting career with leading Australian radio networks, covering major cricket and rugby events. His dynamic reporting style and in-depth analysis earned him a loyal following among sports fans. Morrow conducted interviews with top athletes and provided on-the-ground insights from international competitions. He won several awards for his contributions to sports journalism and mentored upcoming broadcasters. Morrow's sudden passing in 2024 was met with tributes from the sporting world, highlighting his impact on Australian media.

Veronica Guerin was an Irish investigative journalist renowned for exposing organized crime and drug trafficking in Dublin. Writing for publications like the Sunday Independent, she published a series of hard-hitting articles that brought public attention to the violence and corruption plaguing the city. In June 1996, Guerin was assassinated by a drug gang, sparking national outrage and leading to major reforms in Irish law enforcement. Her legacy includes the establishment of the Criminal Assets Bureau, which targeted the proceeds of crime, and greater protections for journalists. Posthumously, Guerin has been honored with awards and memorials celebrating her courage and dedication to the truth. Her life and work inspired films and books, ensuring her impact endures in the fight against organized crime.

Nardwuar, known as 'Nardwuar the Human Serviette', is a Canadian interviewer and musician famous for his eccentric style. He started on campus radio and developed a unique persona complete with tartan suits and rapid-fire questions. His interviews with artists, politicians, and celebrities have gone viral for their deep research and unexpected gifts. Beyond journalism, Nardwuar is the frontman of the garage rock band The Evaporators. His dedication to trivia and pop culture has earned him a cult following worldwide. Nardwuar continues to produce interviews and music, blending humor with genuine passion for his subjects.