Tragedies and Triumphs Story Briefs

When horrific things happen, how a person responds can make a difference in the rest of one's life. In this collection, learn how some individuals triumphed in the face of unspeakable tragedies.

In 1863, President Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November would be Thanksgiving Day. He issued a turkey reprieve - which we would call a pardo...

This illustration depicts the daughter ofCaptain Arthur Edward Kennedy, about seven years old at the time, distributing clothing to children and famil...

As Green Hornet's castaways drifted in the Pacific, an albatross stopped by the life raft.

In 1780, the momentum of America's war for independence took dramatic turns.

Just weeks after the Great Circus Train Wreck of 1918, America's deadliest train disaster occurs near Nashville, Tennessee. More than 100 people are k...

Ansel Adams, one of America's greatest photographers, started his professional life as a pianist. What made him decide to switch profressions?

Apollo 11's Lunar landing is a dangerous mission without alarms going off. Getting close to the Moon's surface, the astronauts receive a program warn...

During the Apollo 13 accident, the crew used the three modules of their spacecraft in unplanned ways.

Gene Kranz was a key player, among other NASA employees, who helped Apollo 13's flight crew safely return to Earth after a life-threatening situation ...

Some people wondered whether Apollo 13 should have had that number..."13." When a life-threatening situation developed, how did collaboration between ...

This clip is the actual FAA Air Traffic Control transmission from ATC Cleveland Center on the morning of September 11, 2001.

The Irish Rebellion of 1798 - when the United Irishmen attempted to free their country of British rule - ultimately did not succeed.

Show tooltips