Discover what happened on April 10 in history, along with notable events that shaped innovation, exploration, and science.
What Happened on April 10 in History?
From the launch of the Titanic’s fateful journey to the birth of the U.S. patent system and a groundbreaking image of a black hole, April 10 has delivered moments that changed how we build, travel, and understand the universe.
APRIL 10 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1790 – The U.S. patent system was established when President George Washington signed the Patent Act of 1790 into law. The very first patent went to Samuel Hopkins of Philadelphia, PA for “making pot and pearl ashes” which was a cleaning formula used in making soap.
1825 – The first hotel opened in Hawaii.
1849 – Walter Hunt patented the safety pin. He sold the rights for $100.
1866 – The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in New York, NY by Henry Bergh.
1872 – The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska.
1912 – The Titanic set sail on her maiden, and only, voyage from Southampton, England. It stopped in Cherbourg, France and then Queenstown, Ireland, before heading out in to the open sea.
1916 – The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) held its first championship tournament.
1930 – The first synthetic rubber was produced.
1941 – Ford Motor Co. became the last major automaker to recognize the United Auto Workers as the representative for its workers.
1953 – Warner Bros. released “House of Wax”. It was the first 3-D movie to be released by a major Hollywood studio.
1960 – The U.S. Senate passes the Civil Rights Bill
1961 – Gary Player, of South Africa, became the first foreign golfer to win the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA.
1963 – 129 people died when the nuclear-powered submarine USS Thresher failed to surface off Cape Cod, MA.
1965 – The DeZwaan Windmill was formally dedicated in Holland, MI.
1967 – The 13-day strike by the American Federation of Radio-TV Artists (AFTRA) came to an end less than two hours before the 39th Academy Awards presentation went on the air.
1970 – Paul McCartney announced that he was leaving The Beatles for personal and professional reasons.
1978 – Volkswagon became the first non-American car manufacturer to build automobiles in the U.S., opening a plan in Westmoreland County, PA.
1981 – The maiden launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia was cancelled because of a computer malfunction.
1988 – On Wall Street, 48 million shares of Navistar International stock changed hands in a single-block trade. It was the largest transaction ever executed on the New York Stock Exchange.
1992 – Outside Needles, CA, comedian Sam Kinison was killed when a pickup truck slammed into his car on a desert road between Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV.
1992 – In Los Angeles, financier Charles Keating Jr. was sentenced to nine years in prison for swindling investors when his Lincoln Savings and Loan collapsed. The convictions were later overturned.
1997 – Rod Steiger received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2000 – Ken Griffey Jr. became the youngest player in baseball history to reach 400 home runs. He was 30 years, 141 days old.
2002 – President George W. Bush called for a total ban on human cloning. He urged the Senate to pass legislation forbidding the procedures for both reproductive and research purposes.
2007 – “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis surrendered to federal authorities in Florida, five days after a judge cites him for contempt of court.
2009 – “Hannah Montana: The Movie” starring 16 year old Miley Cyrus and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, opened in theaters.
2014 – After establishing himself on “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report”, Stephen Colbert was named to be David Letterman’s successor on “The Late Show”. (He assumed the role on September 8th, 2015.)
2014 – Nirvana, KISS, Peter Gabriel, The E Street Band, Cat Stevens, Hall and Oates, and Linda Ronstadt were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2014 – Kathleen Sebelius resigned as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in light of fallout from the botched rollout of HealthCare.gov.
2017 – After 29 years, the Detroit Pistons played their last game at the Palace of Auburn Hills in a game against the Washington Wizards.
2019 – Scientists from the Event Horizon Telescope project announced the first ever image of a black hole, located in the centre of the M87 galaxy.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON APRIL 10:
Dolores Huerta – 96 years old (1930) – Activist, co-founded the United Farm Workers
Paul Theroux – 85 years old (1941) – Novelist, short story writer, and travel writer
Stuart Dybek – 84 years old (1942) – Novelist, short story writer, and poet
David A. Adler – 79 years old (1947) – Author and educator
Mel Blount – 78 years old (1948) – Football player
Ken Griffey – 76 years old (1950) – Sr. , American baseball player and manager
David Helvarg – 75 years old (1951) – Journalist and activist
Steven Seagal – 74 years old (1952) – Actor, producer, and martial artist
Anne Lamott – 72 years old (1954) – Author and educator
Peter MacNicol – 72 years old (1954) – Actor
Juan Williams – 72 years old (1954) – Panamanian-American journalist and author
Steve Gustafson – 69 years old (1957) – Spanish-American bass player
Yefim Bronfman – 68 years old (1958) – Uzbek-American pianist
Babyface – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Brian Setzer – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Steve Bisciotti – 66 years old (1960) – Businessman, co-founded Allegis Group
Katrina Leskanich – 66 years old (1960) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Terry Teagle – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player
Mark Jones – 65 years old (1961) – Basketball player
Steve Tasker – 64 years old (1962) – Football player and sportscaster
Warren DeMartini – 63 years old (1963) – Guitarist and songwriter
Jeff Gray – 63 years old (1963) – Baseball player and coach
Tim Alexander – 61 years old (1965) – Drummer and songwriter
David Rovics – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter
Orlando Jones – 58 years old (1968) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter
Kenny Lattimore – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter
Q-Tip – 56 years old (1970) – Rapper, producer, and actor
Al Reyes – 55 years old (1971) – Dominican-American baseball player
Christopher Simmons – 53 years old (1973) – Canadian-American graphic designer, author, and academic
Eric Greitens – 52 years old (1974) – Soldier, author and politician
Chris Carrabba – 51 years old (1975) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Stephanie Sheh – 49 years old (1977) – Taiwanese-American voice actress, director, and producer
Kenyon Coleman – 47 years old (1979) – Football player
Kasey Kahne – 46 years old (1980) – Race car driver
Bryce Soderberg – 46 years old (1980) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Laura Bell Bundy – 45 years old (1981) – Actress and singer
Michael Pitt – 45 years old (1981) – Actor, model and musician
Andre Ethier – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Jamie Chung – 43 years old (1983) – Actress
Andrew Dost – 43 years old (1983) – Guitarist and songwriter
Ryan Merriman – 43 years old (1983) – Actor
Jeremy Barrett – 42 years old (1984) – Figure skater
Mandy Moore – 42 years old (1984) – Singer-songwriter and actress
Barkhad Abdi – 41 years old (1985) – Somali-American actor and director
Corey Kluber – 40 years old (1986) – Baseball pitcher
Chris Heston – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball pitcher
Kareem Jackson – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Haley Joel Osment – 38 years old (1988) – Actor
Charlie Culberson – 37 years old (1989) – Baseball player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR APRIL 10:
- National Siblings Day: Show your siblings you appreciate them, even if you sometimes want to kill them, or volunteer to adopt-a-sibling and enrich some else’s life on Siblings Day.
- National Erase Self-Negativity Day: Some studies have shown that 80% of the thoughts running through an average person’s mind are negative – tipping the scale much too far away from the positive thoughts that most people desire! To live healthy and happy lives, people may need to do a bit of work to create thought...
- National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day: National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day creates space for honest, practical conversation about HIV and how it affects teens and young adults. It is a call to swap whispers for real information: how HIV is transmitted, how it is prevented, what testing looks like, and what living well with...
- National Hug Your Dog Day: Give that furry creature a special celebration by enjoying National Hug Your Dog Day with them.
- National Donate Life Blue & Green Day: Donate some blue and green and get on board and support the efforts of Donate Life America’s cause during National Donate Life Month! With more than 100,000 men, women and children who are on the national transplant waiting list, the need for hope is great. This event offers an excellent opportunity...
- World Baton Twirling Day: Experience the mesmerizing artistry of rhythmic performance, where precision and flair intertwine in captivating displays of movement.
- World Homeopathy Day: Imagine a way of healing that listens to more than just symptoms. That’s the heart of homeopathy. It’s a medical system based on the idea that the body can heal itself with a little help. Homeopathy uses very small doses of natural elements—plants, minerals, even animal sources. Supporters say these...
- Global Work From Home Day: Global Work From Home Day, observed annually, highlights the perks of telecommuting. It encourages employers and employees to try remote working and appreciate its benefits. This special day promotes the flexibility, discipline, and responsibility needed to work effectively from home. It is celebrated because many jobs do not require physical presence...
- International Safety Pin Day: Take inspiration from Safety Pin inventor Walter Hunt, and come up with your own clever and useful invention. Who knows, maybe it’ll be a hit like the safety pin.
- National Farm Animals Day: From cows to chickens, farm animals are essential to agriculture. They provide meat, eggs, and dairy while also helping maintain the land.
- National Cinnamon Crescent Day: Flaky layers of pastry that are filled with a sweet, cinnamon filling, making them a tasty crowd-pleaser — perfect for breakfast or dessert!
- Golfer’s Day: Hit the green and practice your swing. Never played golf, or have terrible weather? Find a mini-golf course, or even fire up a golfing video game at home.
- National Encourage a Young Writer Day: Show some support and care for future generations by getting invovled with this importnat day that helps to foster inspiration for the special craft of writing! How to Celebrate National Encourage a Young Writer Day Schools, non-profit organizations, student groups and so many others can get involved with National Encourage a Young...
- Poet in a Cupcake Day: Bake a cupcake that reflects your favorite poet. Pick the flavor, colors, and appearance, and add a poem on a popsicle stick to celebrate two of life’s great joys.
- Orthodox Good Friday: Orthodox Good Friday is a deeply revered day among Orthodox Christians, observed to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This solemn day falls on different dates each year, adhering to the Julian calendar, unlike many Western Christian churches that use the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, for example, it will be...
- National Public Health Week: The well-being of communities — disease prevention, and better living through knowledge and action, towards a healthier world.
- Discover National Parks Fortnight: Discover National Parks Fortnight invites everyone to join in on an adventure - exploring the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of national parks. This fantastic outdoor-themed event spans two weeks each year. This period is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and appreciate the environmental treasures within...
- FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
- Bee Active Bee Healthy Bee Happy Week: "Bee Active Bee Healthy Bee Happy Week is so much more than just a catchphrase. Indeed, it is a call to action. This week, founded by The Running Bee Foundation in Manchester, United Kingdom, is an effort to help reduce childhood obesity. Their goal is to help children learn the...
- National Robotics Week: National Robotics Week is a vibrant celebration of robots and the people who build them. It invites everyone—from young students to curious grown-ups—to explore how robots shape our world. It sparks curiosity with simple, hands‑on fun. Robots become friends that move, talk, and solve puzzles. The energy of discovery is...
- Community Garden Week: Community Garden Week comes around each year vibrant spring flowers begin to light up the landscape. This special week-long observation highlights the many worthy community and school gardens that dot our landscapes. These gardening efforts do more than add beauty (although they undoubtedly do!). Indeed, they serve as hubs for...
- Be Kind to Spiders Week: Be Kind to Spiders Week encourages people to change their perspective on these misunderstood creatures. Despite their reputation for being creepy or scary, spiders play a vital role in controlling insect populations. This annual event asks people to pause before squashing a spider, instead suggesting relocating them safely outdoors. It's...
- Global Days of Action on Military Spending: The Global Days of Action on Military Spending is a lively global campaign that invites people everywhere to rethink how public funds are used. It urges governments to shift resources from arms to real security, like health, education, and clean energy. When new military spending data arrives, advocates use the moment...
- National Wildlife Week: Nature's tapestry, harmonious ecosystems, where diverse creatures coexist, weaving a story of survival and interconnected existence.
- Parkinson’s Awareness Week: Parkinson's Awareness Week is a significant annual health week dedicated to increasing public understanding and support for Parkinson's disease, a neurological condition that affects movement. Some people only recently learned more about Parkinson’s Disease for about the past twenty to thirty years. That new public awareness of those who have...
- National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
- Blue Ribbon Week: Blue Ribbon Week is a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse, symbolized by the blue ribbon. Across communities, people come together to support efforts that protect children from harm. During this week, the focus shifts to understanding the serious impact of abuse and neglect, which often goes unnoticed...
- World Music Therapy Week: Helping people of all ages accomplish individualized goals, music therapy is a healthcare process that can take all sorts of forms based on the needs of the client. Approaches might include making music, listening to music, writing songs, improvisation, group discussion, or even meditation. Trained therapists use different forms of...
- National Bake Week: The art of baking brings people together like little else can. During National Bake Week, kitchens fill with life—flour on counters, laughter in the air, something delicious in the oven. It’s not about fancy skills or perfect results. It’s about mixing, tasting, and creating with your own hands. Even the...
- Orthodox Holy Week: Orthodox Holy Week is a deep and meaningful journey leading up to Easter, which celebrates Christ's resurrection. This sacred week starts with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, greeted as a king. Each day then carries unique themes and moments of reflection. Early in the week, the parable of...
- The Masters Tournament: Golf's elite gather, showcasing unparalleled skill and sportsmanship in a prestigious event that captivates fans worldwide.
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