Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for May 31: In 1578, Italian archeologist Antonio Bosio became the first man in modern times to rediscover the Christian catacombs in Rome. Researchers who followed him dubbed Bosio "the Columbus of the Catacombs.

Today in History for May 30: In 339, Eusebius, the father of early church history, died at age 74.

Today in History for May 29: In 526, Antioch, in present-day Turkey, was struck by an earthquake, killing about 250,000 people. In 1453, the Turks captured Constantinople, bringing the Eastern Roman Empire to an end.

Today in Music History for May 29: In 1837, Charles W. Fry, the English musician who, along with his three sons, formed the first Salvation Army brass band, was born. Fry also authored the hymn, "Lily of the Valley.

Today in Music History May 25: In 1893, Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman, leader of one of the most famous family groups in country music, was born in Monorat, Va.

Today in Music History for May 30: In 1903, songwriter Alex Kramer was born in Montreal. With his wife, Joan Whitney, Kramer was among the first songwriters to join BMI when the ban on broadcasting the music of ASCAP composers began in 1941.

Today in History for May 28: In 1089, Lanfranc, the first Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, died. During his time as archbishop, he rebuilt the cathedral, based on the design of his former abbey in Caen, in northern France.

Today in History for May 27: In 1534, Jacques Cartier explored Belle Isle on his second voyage to Canada. In 1564, John Calvin, a leader of the Protestant Reformation, died in Geneva at age 54.

Today in History for May 26: In 735, Bede the Venerable, known as the father of English church history, Benedictine monk, priest, writer, hymn writer, died at about age 62.

Today in Music History for May 27: In 1799, George Washington Doane, American Episcopal clergyman, was born.