The Exhibit
Miguel Covarrubias
Miguel Covarrubias (1904–1957) was one of the foremost Mexican artists of the twentieth century. A quintessential humanist, he made important contributions in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, theater and dance. The breadth of his intellectual interests inspired him to explore cultures as varied as the brilliant hues displayed in his art. He became an expert in indigenous Mexican art and culture and an important figure in the preservation of ancient sites and artifacts. After capturing the creative energy of the Harlem Renaissance, he documented a vanishing way of life on the Indonesian island of Bali. In the pages of Vanity Fair and other popular American magazines of the Jazz Age, Covarrubias took the measure of the era's statesmen, celebrities and rogues.
Vladmir Lenin Dies
After a stroke, Lenin died on January 21, 1924. Fears about the stability of the Communist system led to the creation of a cult of Lenin for which his body was even mummified.
For more information on the death of Lenin:
For information on Dr. Liann Gallagher's talk
First Winter Olympics Held
The first Winter Olympics consisted of six sports and was held in near the Swiss Alps in Chamonix, France.
For video on the first Winter Olympics:
USSR Formed
On January 31, 1924 the four states that combined to form the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) approved the first constitution of the USSR.
For more information on the USSR
King Tut's Sarcophagus Opened
Archaeology proceeded swiftly in the 1920s, spurred on by high profile discoveries like King Tut's tomb in Egypt and the excavations of Mohenjo Daro in the Indus Valley.
Rhapsody in Blue First Performed
In February, George Gershwin performed his original piece for piano and jazz band, 'Rhapsody in Blue' for the first time as a part of the "An Experiment in Modern Music" concert.
Scofflaw
In the midst of prohibition, a contest was held to create a term for 18th Amendment violators. Two hundred dollars in gold was awarded to "scofflaw" as the winning entry.
For more information on Prohibition:
IBM is established
Although begun in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), International Business Machines took on its iconic name of IBM in 1924 and became one of the world's preeminent computer companies.
Ottoman Caliphate Ends
In March, the newly formed Republic of Turkey abolished the Ottoman Caliphate, likely the last generally accepted Islamic caliphate of its era.
"Opportunity" Dinner at the Harlem Civic Club
Although the Harlem Renaissance is hard to date, many scholars see the star-studded dinner party hosted by Opportunity magazine at the Harlem Civic Club in 1924 as the true beginning of the Harlem Renaissance.
First Flight Around the World
In April, U.S. Army Air Servicemen became the first pilots to circumnavigate the world by air. Of the four initial planes, only the Chicago and the New Orleans finished the journey, 175 days later.
J. Edgar Hoover Appointed
The Bureau of Investigation became the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the leadership of the newly appointed J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover would remain in charge of the FBI until his death, 37 years later.
Robert Frost wins his first Pulitzer Prize
In 1924, Robert Frost won the first of his four Pulitzer Prizes., for New Hampshire. Included in this collection was one of his most famous poems, "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening."
Asian Exclusion Act
Expanding on the restrictions established in 1917, the Asian Exclusion Act of 1924 broadened restrictions to anyone from Asia, including Japan. This increased tensions between the US and Japan.
Indian Citizenship Act Passed
In 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was passed, granting all Native Americans born in the United States citizenship. However, this did not grant the right to vote, which was still decided state-by-state.
Leopold and Loeb Murder Trial
Inspired by a desire to prove they could commit the "perfect crime," teenagers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb kidnapped and killed their 14 year old neighbor, Bobby Franks. Their trial was considered the trial of the century.
Little Orphan Annie Published
Little Orphan Annie appeared as a comic strip in the New York Daily News. Annie ran until 2010 and inspired radio, film and television adaptations.
Harding College Founded
Harding College was founded in Morrilton, AR and named after James A. Harding. Harding College's goal is to provide a Christian liberal arts education. In 1933 Harding College moved to Searcy, AR.
US Leaves Dominican Republic
The US had occupied the Dominican Republic since 1916, ostensibly to protect them from European military intervention, but public opinion led to US forces leaving in 1924.
For more information on the occupation please visit:
Willem Einthoven receives Nobel Prize for developing the EKG
Einthoven developed the first practical electrocardiogram (EKG) for recording electrical signals from the heart and was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work.
Calvin Coolidge Elected President
Although serving as president since 1923 due to the sudden death of Warren G. Harding, "Silent Cal," so known for his dry humor and reticence, was officially elected president in 1924.
First Macy's Parade
Employee's from Macy's department store put on costumes and, with animals borrowed from Central Park Zoo and Mother Goose themed floats, led Santa Claus into Herald Square.
For more information on the first parade visit:
Hitler Released from Prison
Hitler spent much of 1924 in a German prison for his part in the attempted coup known as the Beer Hall Putsch. In prison he wrote his autobiography, Mein Kampf, which detailed his plans for Germany. Once free in December of 1924, he began to set those plans in motion.
Galaxies Beyond the Milky Way Discovered
Edwin Hubble announced that "nebulas" beyond the Milky Way were actually unique galaxies. For his efforts, 66 years later the Hubble telescope was named for him.
