Known for his brash and raucous rhetoric, the essayist and playwright turned the spotlight on the health crisis affecting gay men in New York City at a time no one wanted to hear about it.

The 14th spiritual leader of Tibet was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th lama when he was just a child.

Loveless since the start of their arranged union, the Russian rulers were ultimately torn apart by a coup that brought Catherine to the throne.

After the end of World War I, the collection writers and critics met at New York City’s Algonquin Hotel for a “10-year lunch” that epitomized the glamour and excitement of the decade.

Despite being born in the United States, the 'Star Trek' star and the ‘Karate Kid’ actor both had traumatic childhoods and were imprisoned for the color of their skin.

After surviving an attack during World War II, the politician lost the ability to properly use his right hand.

These famous outlaws ruled the American frontier.

Thanks to a trip to Kenya in her early 20s, Goodall met Louis Leakey, who saw her passion for animals and ability to observe them as her biggest asset.

Evidence suggests the children's book author modeled the Lorax after the mustachioed patas monkey he observed while in Africa.

The first lady refused to see all but a select group of visitors and feuded with officials from Springfield, Illinois, over the president’s burial site.

Get to know the space explorers played by Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon in the Oscar-winning film.

The Bard churned out 'King Lear,' 'Macbeth' and 'Antony and Cleopatra' as London reeled from the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and an outbreak of the bubonic plague the following year.

Isolated during the Great Plague of London, the philosopher engaged in the groundbreaking discoveries that marked his "year of wonders."

The New York City couple were executed for conspiracy to commit espionage in 1953, sparking decades of conspiracy talk that produced new twists in the 21st century.

As the second World War raged, then-Princess Elizabeth rallied to the cause and enlisted in the military, helping boost the morale of the British people.

One of the most famous figures in medical history, the nurse's groundbreaking achievements in handwashing, hygiene and sanitation helped revolutionize medicine.

The president divided the international community and angered a contingent of American athletes with his attempt to punish the Soviet Union.

Keller and her "miracle worker" started out as pupil and teacher, but their relationship blossomed into one of lifelong support.

The famous children’s book author came up with one of his greatest works after he was presented with the challenge of using only 50 words to write a story.

Hollywood took some liberties while bringing the story of this musical Austrian family to the big screen.

The African American writer shared her message of "survival" and "hope" in the 1978 poem.

The determination that fueled the first female African American aviator contributed to her demise at age 34.

The African American writer became a leader of the Harlem Renaissance for his novels, plays, prose and, above all, the lyrical realism of his poetry.

In addition to freeing slaves, Tubman was also a Civil War spy, nurse and supporter of women's suffrage.