Famous Birthdays

American civil rights activist whose refusal to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.

Austrian composer widely regarded as among the greatest musical geniuses of all time. Despite his short life of 35 years, he composed over 600 works that remain cornerstones of classical music.

English social reformer, statistician, and founder of modern nursing. She came to prominence while serving as a manager of nurses during the Crimean War.

Indian lawyer and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for Indian independence from British rule, inspiring civil rights movements worldwide.

Last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. A diplomat, naval commander, and polyglot who spoke nine languages, she became one of the most famous figures of the ancient world.

Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electrical supply system.

English naturalist best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His book On the Origin of Species established natural selection as the foundation of evolutionary biology.

Queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 until 1901. Her reign of 63 years is known as the Victorian era, a period of industrial, cultural, and political change across Britain and the world.

British statesman who served as Prime Minister during the Second World War. Known for his leadership and stirring speeches, he rallied the British people during their darkest hours.

English mathematician and writer, known for her work on the Analytical Engine designed by Charles Babbage. She is often regarded as the first computer programmer for her notes on the machine.