September 19

Born in 1519 to the Willoughby family, she became Duchess of Suffolk through marriage to Charles Brandon. She was known for her Protestant faith and close relationship with Henry VIII and Edward VI. Catherine survived religious turmoil and championed the Reformation in England. An accomplished writer and translator, she corresponded with prominent scholars of her time. After being widowed, she managed extensive estates and continued her patronage of the arts. She died in 1580, remembered for her intellect and steadfast devotion to her faith.

Giles Corey, whose birth date is not recorded, was a Massachusetts farmer involved in the Salem witch trials of 1692. Accused of witchcraft at the age of 80, he steadfastly refused to plead guilty or not guilty in court. Under the practice of peine forte et dure, he was pressed to death by heavy stones rather than submit a plea, reportedly crying "more weight" as the stones were added. His refusal protected his estate, which passed to his heirs. Corey’s tragic death stands as a stark example of the extreme measures of the witch trial era. He was posthumously exonerated, and his story remains a powerful reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and injustice.

Dr. Thomas John Barnardo was a pioneering philanthropist who dedicated his life to rescuing vulnerable children in Victorian Britain. In 1867, he opened his first home in London’s East End, offering shelter, education, and care to homeless youngsters. Over the next decades, Barnardo’s network expanded to include hundreds of homes across the UK, transforming social attitudes toward child welfare. He faced criticism and legal challenges, yet remained steadfast in his mission to provide children with a “home, love, and Christ.” Barnardo’s efforts led to the formation of what is now Barnardo’s, the largest children’s charity in the United Kingdom. His legacy continues through ongoing work to support and protect disadvantaged children.

Maria Georgina Grey was a leading advocate for women’s education in 19th-century England. Alongside her sister Emily Shirreff, she campaigned for improved schooling opportunities for girls, challenging the belief that female education should be limited to domestic skills. In 1872, Grey and Shirreff established the Girls’ Public Day School Company, later known as the Girls’ Day School Trust, which opened a network of academically rigorous schools for girls. Her writings and public lectures emphasized equal educational rights and curriculum standards. Grey’s vision helped pave the way for greater gender equality in British education systems. Her work remains influential in ongoing efforts to advance women’s access to education worldwide.

Born into the prestigious Pic culinary dynasty in 1932, Jacques Pic upheld his family's traditions in Valence. He led the kitchens of Maison Pic, maintaining its high standards and Michelin star reputation. Pic emphasized seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique in his cooking style. Under his leadership, the restaurant continued to attract gourmands from around the world. He contributed to France's global gastronomic standing until his passing on September 19, 1992.

Born in 1933, Eddie Adams began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the Associated Press. His 1968 photograph of a summary execution in Saigon became one of the most powerful images of the Vietnam War. Adams covered major global events, including the Iran–Iraq War and the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He later worked for the Washington Post and taught photojournalism at the University of Tennessee. Adams' images influenced public opinion on war and journalism ethics. His work set new standards for combat photography and visual storytelling.

Born in 1923, Martha Holmes became one of the first female photographers for Life magazine in the 1940s. Her photo essays covered World War II, the civil rights movement, and postwar cultural shifts in America. Holmes' compassionate lens captured intimate portraits of everyday life amid historic moments. She contributed to groundbreaking issues that reshaped how photojournalism told stories. Later in her career, she produced documentaries and mentored emerging photographers. Her body of work remains a testament to the power of visual storytelling in shaping public awareness.

Eduard Zimmermann (1929–2009) was a German journalist best known for creating and hosting the true crime TV series 'Aktenzeichen XY… ungelöst.' He began his career in print media before transitioning to radio and television in the 1960s. Zimmermann's program helped solve numerous cold cases by engaging the public in criminal investigations. He received multiple honors for contributions to crime prevention and victim assistance. Zimmermann's dedication to public safety left a lasting legacy in German broadcasting.