October 31

Hedvig Taube was a prominent figure at the Swedish court in the early 18th century. Born into the Taube noble family, she captured the favor of King Frederick I in 1731 and became his official royal mistress. Her influence at court drew both admiration and criticism, as her relationship with the king affected political appointments and patronage. Taube was known for her elegance, wit and patronage of the arts and social events. She bore the king several children and maintained a lavish household in Stockholm. Hedvig's life reflects the complex interplay of power, gender and politics in the Swedish monarchy of her time.

Edmund Sharpe was an English architect, engineer, and historian active in the 19th century. He pioneered the Gothic Revival in northwest England, designing dozens of churches with innovative structural features. Sharpe contributed to early railway engineering by improving track designs and locomotive performance. As a sanitary reformer, he advocated for modern sewerage and water systems to combat urban health crises. He authored influential texts on architectural history, including studies of medieval church design. Sharpe's interdisciplinary work left a lasting mark on architecture, civil engineering, and public health policy.

Juliette Gordon Low was born in 1860 in Savannah, Georgia. Inspired by the Girl Guiding movement in England, she established the Girl Scouts in 1912. Her vision promoted leadership, outdoor skills, and community service for young women. Under her guidance, the organization grew rapidly, creating a network of troops nationwide. Low advocated for girls’ empowerment at a time when women’s roles were expanding. She led the Scouts until her death in 1927, leaving a global movement that continues to thrive.

Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, in 1908, Muriel Duckworth dedicated her life to nonviolent activism. She co-founded the Voice of Women in 1960, campaigning against nuclear arms during the Cold War. A key figure in the women’s peace movement, she also advocated for Indigenous rights and environmental causes. Her work earned her membership in the Order of Canada in 1986. Duckworth traveled internationally to promote disarmament and gender equality, often challenging government policies. She wrote several books on social change and mentored younger activists. Even in her nineties, she remained a vocal advocate until her passing in 2009.

John Hugenholtz was born in Batavia in 1914 and trained as an engineer in the Netherlands. He designed the Zandvoort circuit in 1948, which hosted Formula One races for decades. In the 1960s, he created the Zolder track in Belgium and the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. Hugenholtz's distinctive designs featured challenging corners and safety innovations. He founded the consultancy firm Circuitdesign in 1974 to advise on racetrack projects worldwide. His work influenced the standard layout and safety protocols of modern motorsport venues. Hugenholtz's legacy endures in the continued use of circuits that bear his signature style.

Carl Johan Bernadotte was born a Swedish prince in Stockholm in 1916, the youngest son of Prince Carl. He renounced his royal titles in 1946 to marry a commoner, becoming Count of Wisborg. After leaving the royal court, he pursued interests in industrial design and hotel management. Bernadotte co-designed furniture and interiors for Swedish companies, blending function with modern aesthetics. He later served as director of the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, overseeing its expansion. His unique blend of royal heritage and business acumen made him a respected figure in Scandinavia. He lived a quiet life out of the spotlight until his death in 2012.

Dan Rather is an American journalist and news anchor who led the CBS Evening News from 1981 to 2005, becoming a trusted voice in homes across America. He covered pivotal moments in U.S. history, including the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, and presidential elections. Beginning his career in Texarkana and Houston, Rather advanced to national prominence as a Washington correspondent. After CBS, he founded News & Guts, a news website, and produced documentaries for AXS TV. With a career spanning over six decades, Rather remains a prominent figure in American journalism.

Jane Pauley became a national figure at age 25 when she joined NBC's Today show in 1976. She anchored the program for over a decade, earning multiple Emmy Awards for her reporting and interviews. In 1989, Pauley transitioned to Dateline NBC, where she covered major news stories and human interest features. She later served as a correspondent for CBS Evening News and hosted PBS's Life & Times. Pauley has authored memoirs reflecting on her career, family, and personal challenges. Her professionalism and warmth have made her one of the most respected names in broadcast journalism.

Frank Bruni is an American journalist who has served as White House and Brussels bureau chief and later became The New York Times restaurant critic. He was the paper’s first Op-Ed columnist to be openly gay, writing frankly about politics and culture. Bruni has written the memoir 'Born Round' and the career-advice book 'Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be'. His work combines sharp cultural insight with personal narrative, earning wide readership. He lectures widely and remains influential in both political commentary and food criticism.