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Teatro San Cassiano - THE FIRST OPERA HOUSE - Q. Johnson
In 1637, the Teatro San Cassiano gave public opera to the world. This momentous act sparked a global opera boom with Venice as its celebrated capital, which would ensure that forevermore the Teatro San Cassiano would be revered as the world’s first public opera house. -
College of William & Mary Founded - Q. Johnson
William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in America. On February 8, 1693, King William III and Queen Mary II of England signed the charter for a "perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts and Sciences" to be founded in the Virginia Colony. And William & Mary was born. -
Elias Neau opens school for the enslaved - Jalyn H.
Born enslaved and once freed, he moved to New York and gained a prominent name in the French church. With a calling to teach, Elias forcibly conformed to the Church of England to get a license to do so. Around 1704, Neau's catechist position required 'house to house' education to the enslaved, and by 1708, 200 students were under his instruction. Preceding a slave insurrection, the Colonial government continued to support Neau's school, where he then spent 18yrs teaching until his death in 1722 -
Ursuline Academy of New Orleans (Teri Stewart)
Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously-operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States.
The Ursuline tradition holds many United States firsts. Including the first female pharmacist, first woman to contribute a book of literary merit, first convent, first free school, first classes for female African-American slaves, free women of color. -
The Stono Rebellion- Jalyn H.
Enslaved people of South Carolina organized the largest rebellion calling for liberation. While attempting to reach their destination in Florida, the 50 rebels faced armed pursuit from slave-catchers near the Stono River, and most were captured or executed. As the black population grew, colonists quickly drafted an Act strictly enforcing the ban on enslaved people to assemble in groups, earn their own money, and learn or read. This Act was explicitly finalized after the Stono Rebellion. -
The 1785 ordinance laid the foundations
The 1785 ordinance laid the foundations of land policy until passage of the Homestead Act of 1862. Land was to be systematically surveyed into square townships
The ordinance was also significant for establishing a mechanism for funding public education. Section 16 in each township was reserved for the maintenance of public schools. although a great many of the school sections were sold to raise money for public education.
Teri Stewart -
The 1785 Ordinance
On Jan 29, 1785, John Hancock resigns as Governor of Massachusetts, allegedly due to his failing health. Teri Stewart