Volume 12
2026-2027
Mary Tsingou Problem-solver
A literal footnote in history until someone noticed and gave her the credit she deserved.
From This is True for 6 September 2026
Bernice Gottlieb International adoption pioneer
Her program was “believed to be unprecedented in the world history of adoption.”
From This is True for 30 August 2026
Violet Hensley Fiddler
“I can’t read music, so I just play the fiddle.”
From This is True for 16 August 2026
Charles Gaines Writer and inventor
A successful writer, Gaines rode two huge waves in popular culture — creating the second one himself.
From This is True for 26 July 2026
Randy Mantooth Actor and medic proponent
He was “just an actor” but realized that what he played on TV affected real life in a dramatic way.
From This is True for 12 July 2026
Martha Lillard Easy breather
Lillard was the last known person in the United States to still rely on an iron lung.
From This is True for 5 July 2026
Tom Dreesen Comedian
He and Tim Reid were “America’s first Black and white comedy team. History shows we were the last as well.”
From This is True for 21 June 2026
Francine Villeneuve Jockey
Villeneuve’s entire life was about horses.
From This is True for 14 June 2026
Robert Coles Psychiatrist
Coles happened to witness an event that changed the course of his life.
From This is True for 7 June 2026