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April 23 in History: First Public School Opens, New Coke Introduced, and First YouTube Video Uploaded

Scott Winters April 23, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on April 23 in history, along with notable events that shaped education, business, and digital culture.

What Happened on April 23 in History?

From the founding of America’s first public school to a famous marketing misstep and the birth of online video, April 23 highlights moments that influenced how we learn, consume, and connect.

APRIL 23 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1635 – In Boston, MA, the Boston Public Latin School was established. It was the first public school building in the United States.

1789 – President George Washington moved into Franklin House, New York. It was the first executive mansion.

1872 – Charlotte E. Ray became the African American woman lawyer.

1878 – Lansing, MI inventor George Richmond was given a patent for the speaking telephone transmitter.

1896 – The Vitascope system for projecting movies onto a screen was demonstrated in New York, NY.

1900 – The word “hillbilly” was first used in print in an article in the “New York Journal.” It was spelled “Hill-Billie”.

1908 – President Theodore Roosevelt signed an act creating the U.S. Army Reserve.

1915 – The A.C.A. became the National Advisory Council on Aeronautics.

1951 – The Associated Press began use of the new service of teletype setting.

1954 – Hank Aaron, of the Milwaukee Braves, hit his first major-league home run on this day.

1967 – The Soyuz 1 was launched by Russia.

1968 – The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to form the United Methodist Church.

1971 – The Soyuz 10 was launched.

1982 – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer prices declined the previous month (March). It was the first decline in almost 17 years.

1985 – The all-star charity group U.S.A. for Africa released their album “We Are the World”.

1985 – The Coca-Cola Company announced that it was changing its 99-year-old secret formula. “New Coke” was not successful, which resulted in them returning to the original version in less than three months. New Coke remained on the market until 2002.

1988 – A U.S. federal law took effect that banned smoking on flights that were under two hours.

1988 – Kanellos Kanelopoulos set three world records for human-powered flight when he stayed in the air for 74 miles and four hours in his pedal-powered “Daedalus”.

1988 – The Pink Floyd album “Dark Side of the Moon” left the Billboard charts for the first time. The album spend 741 consecutive weeks (over 14 years) on the Billboard 200.

1989 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played his last regular season game in the NBA.

1991 – The U.S. issued a patent (#5,008,959 to Edward and Richard Coppage of Centreville, VA, for their design of a Bulletproof Dress Shirt.

1997 – An infertility doctor in California announced that a 63-year-old woman had given birth in late 1996. The child was from a donor egg. The woman is the oldest known woman to give birth.

1997 – The Four Tops received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2002 – Karen Hughes, the first President Bush’s confidant, director of communications and spokeswoman, resigns. She later accepts a diplomatic post, writes a book and becomes a publicity executive.

2003 – President George W. Bush signed legislation that authorized the design change of the 5-cent nickel for release in 2004. It was the first change to the coin in 65 years. The change, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, was planned to run for only two years before returning to the previous design.

2004 – Michael Jackson dumped his “dream team” of defense lawyers Mark Geragos and Benjamin Brafman in favor of Thomas Mesereau Jr.

2005 – The first video was uploaded to YouTube.com. It was called “Me at the Zoo“.

2009 – The iTunes Music Store reached 1 billion applications downloaded.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON APRIL 23:

Lee Majors – 87 years old (1939) – Actor

Michael Copps – 86 years old (1940) – Academic and politician

Gail Goodrich – 83 years old (1943) – Basketball player and coach

Blair Brown – 80 years old (1946) – Actress

Barbara McIlvaine Smith – 76 years old (1950) – Sac and Fox Nation Native American politician

Martin Bayerle – 75 years old (1951) – Treasure hunter

Narada Michael Walden – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter, drummer, and producer

James Russo – 73 years old (1953) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Michael Moore – 72 years old (1954) – Director, producer, and activist

Valerie Bertinelli – 66 years old (1960) – Actress

George Lopez – 65 years old (1961) – Comedian, actor, and talk show host

Robby Naish – 63 years old (1963) – Windsurfer

Matt Freeman – 60 years old (1966) – Bass player

Melina Kanakaredes – 59 years old (1967) – Actress

Martín López-Zubero – 57 years old (1969) – American-Spanish swimmer and coach

Dennis Culp – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and trombonist

Uli Herzner – 55 years old (1971) – German-American fashion designer

Carlos Dengler – 52 years old (1974) – Bass player

Bobby Shaw – 51 years old (1975) – Football player

Gabriel Damon – 50 years old (1976) – Actor

Aaron Dessner – 50 years old (1976) – Guitarist, songwriter, and producer

John Cena – 49 years old (1977) – Professional wrestler and actor

Kal Penn – 49 years old (1977) – Indian-American actor

Jaime King – 47 years old (1979) – Actress and model

Joanna Krupa – 47 years old (1979) – Polish-American model and television personality

Kyle Beckerman – 44 years old (1982) – Footballer

Tony Sunshine – 44 years old (1982) – Singer-songwriter

Moose – 42 years old (1984) – Professional wrestler and football player

Jesse Lee Soffer – 42 years old (1984) – Actor

Alysia Montaño – 40 years old (1986) – Runner

Emily Fox – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Patrick Maroon – 38 years old (1988) – Ice hockey player

Britt Baker – 35 years old (1991) – Professional wrestler

Caleb Johnson – 35 years old (1991) – Singer-songwriter

Kyle Juszczyk – 35 years old (1991) – Football player

Gigi Hadid – 31 years old (1995) – Fashion model and television personality

Zach Apple – 29 years old (1997) – Swimmer

Chloe Kim – 26 years old (2000) – Snowboarder

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR APRIL 23:

German Beer Day: Many of the best beers hail from Germany, which is renowned for its annual Oktoberfest. Appreciate those malty, rich Hefeweizens and Lagers.
National Picnic Day: With a basket full of delicious treats, bask in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and make beautiful memories with loved ones.
World Table Tennis Day: Join a team, attend an exhibition, or tune in to the pros to catch the fast-moving, skill-heavy game of table tennis, also commonly known as ping pong.
St. George’s Day: Legend has it that St. George slayed a dragon. Today, his bravery is celebrated worldwide, inspiring us to be courageous.
National Talk Like Shakespeare Day: "To be or not to be," the iconic opening of Hamlet's soliloquy, reflects the profound inner conflict that characterizes much of William Shakespeare's writing. Renowned as one of the greatest playwrights in the English language, Shakespeare's works span comedies, tragedies, and historical dramas that continue to captivate audiences globally! How to...
World Book and Copyright Day: There's nothing like curling up with a captivating story that transports you to new worlds and broadens your horizons.
National English Muffin Day: Delighting taste buds with a harmonious medley of nooks and crannies, offering a breakfast delight with unparalleled texture and flavor.
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: Acknowledging the boundless capacity within each child to shape the world, society embraces their remarkable potential, fostering an environment that nurtures, inspires, and uplifts future generations.
National Teach Your Children to Save Day: Teaching your kid how to handle money could be the difference between a stressful and difficult life, and a comfortable one. Take some time to set them up.
World Book Night: Get lost in an adventure, a romance, a mystery…whatever you like. Gather a group, volunteer at an event, or just take some time to enjoy a book on World Book Night.
National Email Day: Streamlining communication, simplifying connections, and fostering efficient and direct exchanges in our fast-paced digital landscape.
International Girls in ICT Day: International Girls in ICT Day highlights the need for more young women and girls in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. This global initiative encourages girls to pursue careers in technology, aiming to bridge the gender gap in this field. How to Celebrate International Girls in ICT Day Celebrating International...
Canada Book Day: Canada Book Day is a celebration dedicated to the joy of reading and the power of books. This special day encourages people of all ages to dive into the world of literature, sparking imagination and curiosity. By promoting reading, Canada Book Day aims to foster a love for books and...
Pet Tech CPR Day: Pet Tech CPR Day is all about keeping pets safe when every second counts. It’s a time when pet owners, animal lovers, and caregivers take a step back and ask, “Would I know what to do if my dog stopped breathing?” This day centers on learning CPR and first aid...
English Language Day: International English Language Day brightens up our calendars every year. This special day, celebrated globally, is not just any day—it marks the birthday and death anniversary of William Shakespeare, one of English's most iconic figures. It's a day to appreciate the vast reach of the English language, which connects people across...
Spanish Language Day: Spanish Language Day, celebrated every April 23rd, honors the Spanish language's global significance and cultural contributions. It promotes cultural diversity and multilingualism worldwide. It also coincides with the day to commemorate Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. The day serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and the dynamic presence of the...
Movie Theatre Day: Movie Theatre Day is a vibrant celebration of the magic of the big screen. This day brings movie lovers together to appreciate the unique experience of watching films in a cinema. Unlike watching movies at home, the theater offers an immersive atmosphere, with a giant screen and surround sound that...
The First Day of Summer in Iceland: The First Day of Summer in Iceland is a national celebration that brings excitement despite the often chilly weather. This unique holiday marks the beginning of brighter days after the long, dark winter. While the weather might still feel wintry, Icelanders embrace the occasion with enthusiasm. The day is filled with...
National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day: Offices, clinics, studios, and stores open their doors to curious young eyes on a special day each year. National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day brings kids into the real world of jobs—not just to observe, but to imagine. They see how adults solve problems, meet deadlines, and...
World Laboratory Day: Behind every breakthrough, there’s a lab buzzing with ideas and experiments. World Laboratory Day honors these vital hubs of discovery. Scientists, engineers, and researchers gather in labs to solve problems, test new theories, and push the edges of knowledge. Every small test tube or glowing computer screen holds the promise...
National Asparagus Day: Kids might say “blech”, but they don’t know what they’re missing. Asparagus is rich in nutrient, crunchy, and tasty on its own or in dishes like fettucine alfredo.
National Cherry Cheesecake Day: A classic combination of graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping — a delicious treat!
Impossible Astronaut Day: Impossible Astronaut Day is celebrated annually and gathers fans of the British sci-fi series "Doctor Who." It marks the anniversary of airing a memorable episode titled "The Impossible Astronaut." This day is special for fans, known as Whovians, who celebrate by revisiting the episode and embracing the show's unique culture. How to...
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...
Slay a Dragon Day: Slay a Dragon Day is a spirited and fun celebration encouraging people to tackle their challenges. This day is not just about mythical dragons but about facing fears and overcoming obstacles in life. It's a unique opportunity to take on something daunting and emerge victorious, feeling empowered and accomplished. How to...
International Creator Day: Creators breathe life into all sorts of spaces in the world. From art to literature, from technology to media, creative people contribute to the human experience in a myriad of ways. International Creator Day acts as an opportunity to show appreciation for the community of creators, acting as an inspiration...
National Lost Dog Awareness Day: Join dog lovers around the globe on National Lost Dog Day, who come together to help those poor souls who are tragically separated from their furry friends.
Love Your Thighs Day: They move you, lift you, and take you where you need to go, so toss your insecurities aside and appreciate the power, utility, and beauty of your thighs.
National Lover’s Day: The joy of someone who makes your heart skip a beat. Let yourself fall in love and relish in the magic of a special connection.
National Take a Chance Day: Sometimes it's easy to stick with what we know, but growth often happens when we try new things. Be open to change and embrace the adventure!
National Pediatric Transplant Week: Each year, thousands of children across the world benefit from the life-saving medical intervention that comes through organ donation. But the list of those in need of organ donors is long and these younger patients often have to wait for a great deal of time for matches because of complex...
Coin Week: Begin or grow your coin collection, learn about how countries’ mints reflect their history, or join a coin club or even local competition during Coin Week.
FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
Lesbian Visibility Week: To build awareness, create safe and healthy work environments, ‘normalize’ relationships, and allow lesbian voices to be heard, Lesbian Visibility Week provides various opportunities to build a society of inclusion. This event works to promote LGBTQIA women along with non-binary people in every field, from every generation, to every country...
National Princess Week: When you think of a princess, images of elegance, courage, and kindness come to mind. National Princess Week celebrates these traits, inviting everyone to embrace their inner royalty. This special week, started by Julie Andrews, Disney, and Target, is a chance to enjoy the magic and charm associated with princesses...
Cleaning for a Reason Week: Cleaning for a Reason Week is a special time when cleaning companies, donors, and communities come together to support people going through cancer treatment. During this week, the goal is to bring in more cleaning partners, raise money, and help more households with free cleaning services. Volunteers and professional cleaners pitch...
Feet Week: Happy feet make a happy person. Proper foot care involves regular washing, trimming nails, wearing comfortable shoes, and keeping them dry. Treat your feet well and they will take you places!
National Volunteer Week: Contributing time and effort, volunteering fosters positive change, enriching lives, and creating a ripple of goodwill in communities.
Administrative Professionals Week: In offices around the globe, desks become stages of gratitude during Administrative Professionals Week. Teams come together, celebrating those who keep the gears turning. Imagine the scene: colorful bouquets and heartfelt notes replace reports and spreadsheets. Managers pause meetings to say "thank you," acknowledging the often unseen dedication of their...
National Park Week: Say hello to beautiful plants, native wildlife, natural landscapes, and unique terrains because it’s time to celebrate and enjoy National Park Week! History of National Park Week The first National Park Week was celebrated in 1991 when it was declared by US President George H.W. Bush to honor the 75th anniversary...
Every Kid Healthy Week: Nurturing vibrant habits, fostering active play, and embracing wholesome choices, helping children discover the joy of balanced living.
Animal Cruelty / Human Violence Awareness Week: Animal Cruelty / Human Violence Awareness Week is observed annually to shed light on the undeniable connection between abusing animals and harming humans. This observance week creates awareness of the need to understand the intersectional nature of these issues and for societal change to end the cruelty. It also promotes education...
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 Sky Awareness Week: Humans go through life each day looking at the buildings, cars, computer screens, and other people around them, but it seems like a rare event that they will spend time being aware of the sky. National Sky Awareness Week seeks to remind people of all ages that there is something interesting...
National Work Zone Awareness Week: Warmer weather in the spring is a sign of beautiful things like green grass, lovely flowers and – road construction?! Okay. So, maybe road construction isn’t everyone’s favorite thing. But it is an important job that keeps the highways and roads up to date so everyone can get where they need...
Health Information Professionals Week: Health Information Professionals Week is a celebration that honors the vital role of health information professionals in healthcare. These professionals ensure that patient data is accurate, secure, and accessible, supporting quality care and efficient healthcare operations. They work behind the scenes, managing patient records and data systems, which are crucial for...
International Wildlife Film Week: International Wildlife Film Week pulls you into the heart of nature, without leaving your seat. For eight days, animals leap, crawl, swim, and soar across the screen. These films don’t just look beautiful; they tell real, gripping stories. You see a mother elephant trying to find water for her calf. Or...