The World's Best Book Summaries
Who was Rita Smith? What was her connection to the Osage murders? Rita Smith and her husband Bill were murdered in 1923 after their house exploded. Rita’s brother-in-law and others had conspired to steal the family’s money, and nothing was going to stop them. Read more about Rita Smith and the larger conspiracy that resulted in multiple murders in Rita’s family and others.
When did NACA become NASA, and why? What were NACA Nuts, and how did they help change the culture at NACA (NASA)? NACA, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, became NASA in 1958. NACA Nuts was a nickname for new hires at NACA (NASA) as the organization turned to defense and space exploration. In their quest to hire the best people possible, NACA (NASA) hired people from all over the country. As a result, the culture slowly began to shift toward a more equal workplace environment, due in part to less tolerance for segregation from Northern hires, and the persistence
What was the Osage Reign of Terror? Why did it start, and how did it end? The Osage Reign of Terror occurred in the 1920s in Oklahoma. It was defined by a series of murders that turned out to be a conspiracy designed to steal the wealth of the Osage tribe. Continue reading to learn about this dark episode in American history.
Where was Newsome Park, and who lived there? What were residents of Newsome Park Known for? Newsome Park was a community in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where many black NASA employees settled during World War II and the post-war period. In the middle of a segregated city, the residents of Newsome Park formed a tight-knit community, which is highlighted in the book Hidden Figures.
Who was Miriam Mann, and what did she do? How did Miriam Mann help dismantle segregation at NASA? Miriam Mann was a mathematician and a member of West Computing Group. Miriam Mann played an important part in helping achieve equality amongst the computers, and was known for her ongoing protest: removing the offensive “colored computers” sign in her workplace.
Who was Anna Brown? How was she touched by the Osage murder conspiracy? Anna Brown, a young Osage woman, was the first known victim of the Osage Reign of Terror. Her close family members also fell victim to the evil plot. FBI investigator Tom White connected the murders and ultimately brought the killers to justice. Keep reading to learn about the death of Anna Brown and how it was only one piece of the puzzle.
Are you leading a Killers of the Flower Moon discussion? What questions will spark an engaging and thoughtful conversation? Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI is about the Osage Reign of Terror—a series of organized killings in Osage County, Oklahoma, during the 1920s. The victims were members of the Osage Indian tribe, and the motive was profit. Continue reading to find Killers of the Flower Moon discussion questions that you can use for yourself or in a group.
What are some Hidden Figures discrimination examples? What kind of discrimination did the women of Hidden Figures face? Hidden Figures discrimination examples can be found throughout the book. Remember the women were working at NASA while Jim Crow laws were still in effect. Of course, the women of Hidden Figures faced both racial and gender discrimination, making their achievements all the more noteworthy. Read these Hidden Figures discrimination examples to get a sense of just some of the things Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary faced in their quest to build great scientific careers.
Who was Mollie Burkhart? What did she have to do with the Osage murders? Mollie Burkhart was an Osage woman who was married to Ernest Burkhart. Burkhart was convicted of the Osage conspiracy, including the murder of Mollie’s sister. Mollie Burkhart suffered immensely during the Reign of Terror, and she narrowly escaped death herself. Continue reading to learn Mollie Burkhart’s story.
Who is Hidden Figures‘ Katherine Johnson? What was her career like, and what did she do at NASA? Hidden Figures‘ Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who worked at NASA during the height of space travel. Katherine’s contributions helped make space travel possible, but she also contributed to her field and made lasting discoveries, cementing her legacy at NASA.