Learn About The 50 States
Jim Henson (1936)close
Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Jim Henson began playing with puppets early in his life. His first televised puppet show came in 1954. In 1957, he made an appearance on The Tonight Show and first introduced Kermit the Frog. His biggest break came in 1969, when Public Broadcasting asked him to do the puppets for a new children's show named Sesame Street. He later created The Muppet Show, which allowed his puppets to appear to a more adult audience, as well as making a number of movies.
Click on any of the names below to find out more...
Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: