August 17

Scott Winters August 17, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1790 – The United States Capital moved from New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA.

1807 – Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat left New York, NY for Albany, NY, on the Hudson River, beginning the first commercial steamboat service in the world.

1859 – A hot air balloon was used to carry mail for the first time. John Wise left Lafayette, IN, for New York City, NY with 100 letters. After going only 27 miles, he had to land.

1896 – The Klondike gold rush was set off by George Carmack when he discovered gold on Rabbit Creek in Alaska.

1903 – Joseph Pulitzer donated a million dollars to Columbia University. This started the Pulitzer Prize.

1915 – Charles F. Kettering received a patent for his electric ignition device.

1939 – The movie “Wizard of Oz” premiered in New York, NY. It had premiered in Hollywood, CA on August 15.

1945 – The George Orwell novel “Animal Farm” was first published. The book used farm animals to represent the events of the 1917 Russian Revolution.

1970 – Venera 7 launched. It would later become the first spacecraft to successfully transmit data from the surface of another planet (Venus).

1978 – The Double Eagle II became the first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it landed in Miserey, France (near Paris), 137 hours after leaving Preque Isle, ME.

1982 – The first compact discs (CDs) were released to the public in Germany.

1982 – The United States Senate passed an immigration bill that granted permanent resident status to any illegal aliens who had arrived in the U.S. prior to 1977.

1986 – Def Leppard drummer, Rick Allen, played his first concert after losing his left arm in a car accident.

1987 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 2,700 for the first time.

1996 – Ross Perot was announced to be the Reform Party’s Presidential candidate. It was the party’s first-ever candidate.

1998 – President Bill Clinton admitted to the nation in a taped testimony that he had an “improper physical relationship” with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Later in the day, he admitted before the nation that he “misled people” about the relationship.

1998 – NationsBank and BankAmerica merged to create the largest U.S. bank.

1998 – Carlos Santana received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1999 – The Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, owned in part by Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced plans to file bankruptcy.

2002 – The Charles M. Schulz Museum opened in Santa Rosa, CA.

2008 – Swimmer Michael Phelps became the first person to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games.

2009 – The A&E TV show, “Hoarders”, premiered.

2015 – Jake Elliott, 20, of Milan, MI (originally from Grand Rapids and went to Grandville High School) wins the world Yo-Yo contest in Japan.

BIRTHDAYS:

Robert De Niro – 82 years old (1943) – Actor (“The Godfather Part II”, “Raging Bull”, “Cape Fear”, “Awakenings”, “The Deer Hunter”, “Goodfellas”, “Taxi Driver”, “Silver Linings Playbook”, “Meet the Parents”, “Meet the Fockers”)

Robert Joy – 74 years old (1951) – Actor (Played Dr. Sid Hammerback on TV’s “CSI: NY”)

Kevin Rowland – 72 years old (1953) – Singer, songwriter (Dexy’s Midnight Runners)

Belinda Carlisle – 67 years old (1958) – Singer (The Go-Go’s)

Sean Penn – 65 years old (1960) – Actor, screenwriter, director (“Milk”, “Mystic River”, “I Am Sam”, “Sweet and Lowdown”, “Dead Man Walking”)

Gilby Clarke – 63 years old (1962) – Guitarist (Guns N’ Roses)

Steve Gorman – 60 years old (1965) – Drummer (The Black Crowes). Born in Muskegon, MI

David Conrad – 58 years old (1967) – Actor (TV’s “Ghost Whisperer”)

Donnie Wahlberg – 56 years old (1969) – Singer, actor (New Kids on the Block, movies “Dreamcatcher”, “Saw 3”, “Saw 4”, TV’s “Boomtown”, “Band of Brothers”)

Bryton McClure – 39 years old (1986) – Actor (played Richie Crawford on TV’s “Family Matters”, “The Young and the Restless”)

TODAY IS:

National Thrift Shop Day: Recycle your wardrobe by donating clothes and stuff you don’t use or wear, and buying some new (used) ones at a thrift shop for some cheap, sustainable shopping.
National Black Cat Appreciation Day: Honor the enigmatic felines of midnight hue, acknowledging their mystique and the profound symbolism they've carried through cultures and time.
National Nonprofit Day: National Nonprofit Day recognizes the incredible work done by charitable organizations. These groups play a vital role in improving lives and supporting communities. Every day, nonprofits help people, protect the environment, and advocate for important causes. This day shines a spotlight on their impact, encouraging everyone to appreciate their efforts...
Baby Boomers Recognition Day: Baby Boomers Recognition Day is a time dedicated to honoring the immense contributions of the Baby Boomer generation. This special day celebrates a group of people who have witnessed and shaped pivotal changes in our world. From technological advancements to cultural revolutions, Baby Boomers have played a vital role in...
National Vanilla Custard Day: Milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, salt, butter, and of course, vanilla: that’s all you need to make your own creamy, sweet, delicious vanilla custard.
National I Love My Feet Day: Most people don’t think twice about their feet—until something hurts. National I Love My Feet Day flips that idea around. It invites everyone to slow down and appreciate the body parts that carry us through life. Feet work hard, day in and day out, whether we’re walking, running, or just...
National Massachusetts Day: National Massachusetts Day celebrates the rich heritage of the Bay State. This special day honors Massachusetts' significant role in shaping American history and culture. From the landing of the Mayflower to the birth of the American Revolution, Massachusetts has been at the forefront of pivotal events. Its contributions to education...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
Afternoon Tea Week: Host a British-inspired Afternoon Tea and plug that gap between lunch and dinner with tea, biscuits (cookies), scones, clotted cream, whatever you like.
National Science Week: Science lovers have a very special week to look forward to every year—National Science Week. It is an exciting annual event that celebrates the wonders of science and technology. This week-long celebration aims to inspire people of all ages to engage with science through various activities and events. It's a...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.