February 06

Born in 1452 to King Afonso V and Queen Isabella, she was a princess of the House of Aviz. Though considered for significant dynastic marriages, Joanna chose a life of piety and service. She supported religious institutions and funded convents, reflecting her deep faith. Her gentle influence at the Portuguese court earned her admiration among contemporaries. She died in 1490, leaving a legacy of devoutness and compassion.

Born in 1577 to the noble Cenci family in Rome, she endured years of abuse from her father, Count Francesco Cenci. In 1598, Beatrice and her family conspired to kill him, drawing a sensational trial and public outcry. She was executed in 1599, becoming a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice. Her story inspired numerous works of art, literature, and opera in the centuries that followed. She remains a tragic figure in Italian cultural memory.

Born into the ducal family of Holstein-Gottorp in 1649. She engaged in dynastic marriages that strengthened ties among European courts. Augusta Marie's life reflects the role of noblewomen in political alliances of the era. Though not a ruler herself, she managed estates and patronage within her territories. She died in 1728, remembered for her contributions to regional court culture.

Henry Janeway Hardenbergh was born in 1847 in Newark, New Jersey, and trained as an architect in New York City. He designed the Dakota Apartments, the original Waldorf and Astoria hotels, and the illustrious Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. His work pioneered luxury hotel architecture, combining Beaux-Arts elegance with modern urban needs. Hardenbergh's buildings remain enduring icons of New York City’s skyline and hospitality industry. He passed away in 1918, leaving a legacy of grand scale and refined design.

Robert Maillart was born in 1872 in Bern, Switzerland, and graduated from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. He revolutionized bridge engineering with his three-hinged arch design, focusing on structural efficiency and beauty. His Salginatobel Bridge, completed in 1930, is hailed as a masterpiece of concrete construction and a UNESCO heritage site. Maillart also designed the graceful Schwandbach Bridge, showcasing his innovative use of slender arches. He died in 1940, having influenced generations of engineers with his groundbreaking structural concepts.

Born in 1876, Henry Blogg served as coxswain of the Cromer lifeboat in Norfolk for over half a century. He earned widespread acclaim for leading more than 200 rescue missions in perilous conditions, saving over 600 lives. Blogg’s courage and seamanship during storms exemplified dedication to maritime safety and inspired generations of volunteers. He received multiple medals and honors, including the Gold Medal of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. After retiring, he remained a beloved figure, and his legacy endures through memorials and continued lifeboat service traditions. Blogg passed away in 1954, but his story of maritime heroism remains celebrated.

Amintore Fanfani began his career as a journalist before entering politics as a leading member of the Christian Democrat party. He served as Italy's Prime Minister on six occasions between the 1950s and 1980s, overseeing periods of economic growth and social reform. Fanfani played a crucial role in Italy's reconstruction after World War II and in founding the European integration process. Known for his negotiation skills and political acumen, he also held key positions such as President of the Senate and Minister of Foreign Affairs. His long public service career left a significant imprint on modern Italian democracy.

Carlos Marcello was born Calogero Minacore in Tunisia in 1910 and emigrated to the United States as a child. He rose through the ranks of organized crime to become the powerful boss of the New Orleans Mafia from the 1940s through the 1960s. Marcello oversaw gambling, narcotics, and extortion operations, enforcing his rule with ruthless efficiency. He survived deportation attempts and legal battles, cultivating ties with politicians and business elites to protect his empire. Marcello was also implicated in investigations surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, though he was never convicted. He was deported to Guatemala in 1961 but returned to New Orleans in 1969 and continued his criminal activities. He died in 1993, remembered as one of the most enigmatic figures in American organized crime history.

Eva Braun was born in Munich in 1912 and met Adolf Hitler while working as an assistant and model for his personal photographer. She maintained a largely private life despite her close relationship with one of history's most notorious figures. Braun lived in seclusion at Hitler's Berghof retreat and occasionally attended official functions in his entourage. She and Hitler married in a brief civil ceremony on April 29, 1945, in the Führerbunker during the final days of World War II. Less than 40 hours later, they both took their own lives. Braun's diaries and photographs later provided historians with rare insights into Hitler's private life. Her legacy remains overshadowed by her association with the Nazi regime and its atrocities.

Born in 1917 in Montreal, Canada. He studied law at Université Laval and furthered his education in Europe. Grandpré was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1974 and served until 1987. He presided over landmark cases that shaped Canadian constitutional law. After retirement, he led professional legal organizations and mentored young lawyers. In recognition of his service, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Haskell Wexler was a leading American cinematographer whose career spanned over five decades. He earned Academy Awards and BAFTAs for his impactful work on films that explored social and political themes. Wexler collaborated with renowned directors to capture intimate and innovative imagery that influenced generations of filmmakers. Beyond his camera work, he directed documentaries highlighting civil rights and labor issues. His dedication to blending artistry with activism left a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.

Sarah Brady was an influential American gun control advocate and author. After her husband, James Brady, was critically wounded in the 1981 attempted assassination of President Reagan, she became a passionate campaigner for firearm legislation. She served as chair of Handgun Control, Inc. (later the Brady Campaign) for over a decade. Her advocacy was instrumental in the passage of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act in 1993, requiring federal background checks. Brady authored and contributed to several works on gun violence prevention. She remains a key figure in American public health and safety reform.