Childhood and Education Journey of Bernie Sanders in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Bernie Sanders. A timeline of key moments.

Bernard Sanders is a prominent American politician, serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont and the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history. Although independent, he closely aligns with the Democratic Party, consistently caucusing with them and twice seeking their presidential nomination. Sanders is a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies aimed at social and economic equality.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1921: Elias Sanders Immigrated to the U.S.

In 1921, Elias Sanders, Bernie's father, immigrated to the United States from Poland.

September 8, 1941: Birth of Bernard Sanders

On September 8, 1941, Bernard Sanders was born. He would later become a prominent American politician and activist.

1954: Bar Mitzvah

In 1954, Sanders celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.

1956: Brother joined Young Democrats

In 1956, Sanders's brother, Larry, joined the Young Democrats of America and campaigned for Adlai Stevenson II, introducing Bernie to political activism.

1959: Studied at Brooklyn College

Sanders studied at Brooklyn College from 1959.

1960: Studied at Brooklyn College

Sanders studied at Brooklyn College until 1960, before transferring to the University of Chicago.

January 1962: Protested Segregation at the University of Chicago

In January 1962, Sanders protested the University of Chicago's segregated campus housing policy, leading to a sit-in that eventually resulted in the end of racial segregation in university housing.

1962: Death of Father

In 1962, Sanders' father died at age 57.

1963: Volunteered on Israeli kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim

In 1963, Bernie Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing volunteered on the Israeli kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim.

1963: Volunteered at Sha'ar HaAmakim Kibbutz

In 1963, Bernie Sanders and his first wife volunteered at Sha'ar HaAmakim, a kibbutz in northern Israel, through the Labor Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair.

1963: Participated in the March on Washington and Arrested in Chicago

In 1963, Sanders attended the March on Washington and was fined for resisting arrest during a demonstration against segregation in Chicago.

1963: University of Chicago Ended Racial Segregation

In the summer of 1963, the University of Chicago ended racial segregation in private university housing following protests.

1964: Married Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1964, Bernie Sanders married Deborah Shiling Messing.

1964: Graduated from University of Chicago

In 1964, Sanders graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

1966: Divorced Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1966, Bernie Sanders divorced Deborah Shiling Messing.

1968: Moved to Stannard, Vermont

In 1968, Sanders moved to Stannard, Vermont and worked as a carpenter, filmmaker, and writer.

1968: Settled in Vermont

In 1968, Sanders settled in Vermont.

1969: Resided in Montpelier

From 1969, Sanders resided in Montpelier.

1969: Son Levi Sanders born

In 1969, Bernie Sanders's son, Levi Sanders, was born to Susan Campbell Mott.

1971: Heather Titus was born

Heather Titus (née Driscoll) was born in 1971.

1971: Joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party

In 1971, Bernie Sanders joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party and ran for several offices.

1971: Stay at Myrtle Hill Farm

In 1971, while researching an article, Sanders stayed at Myrtle Hill Farm, but was asked to leave after three days for not contributing physical labor.

1971: Resided in Montpelier

Until 1971, Sanders resided in Montpelier.

1974: Carina Driscoll was born

Carina Driscoll was born in 1974.

1975: Dave Driscoll was born

Dave Driscoll was born in 1975.

1976: Peak Influence of Liberty Union

The 1976 campaign was the zenith of the Liberty Union's influence, with Sanders collecting 11,317 votes for governor. His performance forced the down-ballot races for lieutenant governor and secretary of state to be decided by the state legislature.

October 1977: Resignation from Liberty Union Party

In October 1977, Sanders announced his retirement from the Liberty Union Party.

1977: Quit Liberty Union Party

In 1977, Bernie Sanders quit the Liberty Union Party to become an independent.

1980: Elector for Socialist Workers Party

During the 1980 presidential election, Sanders was one of three electors for the Socialist Workers Party in Vermont.

1983: Gave Speech at Socialist Party USA Conference

In 1983, Bernie Sanders gave a speech at the conference of the Socialist Party USA.

May 28, 1988: Married Jane O'Meara Driscoll

On May 28, 1988, Bernie Sanders married Jane O'Meara Driscoll in Burlington, Vermont. The day after their wedding, they visited the Soviet Union.

1991: Lectured at Hamilton College

In 1991, Sanders lectured in political science at Hamilton College.

2013: Larry Sanders retired from Oxfordshire County Council

In 2013, Bernie Sanders's elder brother, Larry, retired from the Oxfordshire County Council, where he represented the East Oxford division.

October 2015: Remarks on Religion on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In October 2015, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bernie Sanders discussed his views on religion, describing himself as culturally Jewish but not particularly religious, and stating his belief in God in a non-traditional sense, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.

2015: Attended Tashlikh Ceremony

In 2015, Bernie Sanders attended a Tashlikh atonement ceremony with the mayor of Lynchburg on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah.

2015: Larry Sanders ran for Oxford West and Abingdon

In 2015, Bernie Sanders's brother, Larry, ran as a Green Party candidate for Oxford West and Abingdon.

2016: Disclosure of Religious and Spiritual Feelings

In 2016, Bernie Sanders disclosed having "very strong religious and spiritual feelings," explaining that his spirituality is rooted in the idea that everyone is interconnected and impacted by the suffering of others, such as hungry children and homeless veterans.

2016: Joan Mahoney's Interview About Sanders

In 2016, Joan Mahoney described Sanders as a 'swell guy' and noted his ability to work with diverse groups.

2016: Emergence of Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash

In 2016, during the Democratic primary season, the Facebook group Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash gained significant attention for its unique focus on creating and sharing memes about Bernie Sanders.

2016: Described his upbringing as an American Jew

In a 2016 speech, Bernie Sanders described his upbringing as an American Jew, noting his family's limited religious observances.

December 2019: Released letters from physicians

In December 2019, three months after his heart attack, Bernie Sanders released letters from physicians declaring him healthy and recovered from his heart condition.

2020: "I am once again asking for your financial support" Meme

During the 2020 primary season, a still from a fundraising video, featuring Bernie Sanders saying "I am once again asking for your financial support", became a viral internet meme.

2021: Inauguration Mittens Meme

In 2021, a photo of Bernie Sanders at Joe Biden's inauguration, seated in a folding chair and wearing patterned mittens, went viral and was widely edited into other images.