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:
1789 – The U.S. Congress authorized the office of Postmaster General.
1862 – President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in rebel states as of January 1st, 1863.
1867 – The Grand River, in Grand Rapids, MI, flooded and caused a great deal of property damage on the east side of the river. It also swept away the newly constructed guard gates of the west side canal.
1888 – The first issue of “National Geographic Magazine” was published. It cost 50 cents and contained no photos.
1903 – Italo Marchiony received a patent for the ice cream cone.
1926 – In Michigan, the St. Clair Inn opened and became the first U.S. hotel with central air conditioning.
1951 – The first live sporting event to be seen coast-to-cost in the United States was a college football game between Duke and the University of Pittsburgh, televised on NBC.
1961 – The Peace Corps was established when President John F. Kennedy signed a Congressional act.
1964 – The television show “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” debuted on NBC.
1966 – The U.S. lunar probe Surveyor 2 crashed into the moon.
1969 – Willie Mays hit his 600th career home run.
1975 – Sara Jane Moore failed in an attempt to shoot President Gerald Ford outside a San Francisco, CA Hotel.
1976 – The TV series “Charlie’s Angels” debuted on ABC. It starred Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Jaclyn Smith. John Forsythe was the voice of “Charlie”. The series ran until June 24, 1981
1982 – The TV show “Family Ties” debuted on NBC. It starred Michael J. Fox as a young Republican Alex P. Keaton. The show aired for seven seasons, concluding on May 14, 1989.
1985 – The first Farm-Aid concert was held in Champaign, IL. The show raised $10 million for U.S. farmers.
1987 – The TV show “Full House”, starring Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier, debuted on ABC. The series would run until May 23, 1995.
1989 – The TV show “Baywatch”, starring David Hasselhoff, premiered. It ran for 10 years and then it came back in 1999 at “Baywatch: Hawaii” and ran until 2001.
1989 – Leslie Pluhar, a 31 year old waitress from Royal Oak, MI, died while driving her 1987 Yugo when 48-mph wind gusts caused her to lose control and her car plunged off the Mackinac Bridge.
1991 – The Dead Sea Scrolls were made available to the public for the first time by the Huntington Library.
1993 – A barge struck a railroad bridge near Mobile, AL, causing the deadliest train wreck in Amtrak history. Forty-seven passengers were killed.
1994 – The TV show “Friends”, starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, premiered on NBC. The show revolved around six friends in their 20s and 30s who lived in Manhattan, New York City. The show would run until May 6, 2004, lasting ten seasons
1995 – Time Warner reached a $7.5 billion deal to buy Turner Broadcasting System.
1997 – Elton John’s tribute to Princess Dianna, the song “Candle in the Wind”, was released in the United States. It stayed on top of Billboard’s “Top 100” list for 14 straight weeks.
1998 – Keely Smith received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1999 – The TV show “The West Wing” debuted on NBC. The series would run until May 14, 2006.
2004– The F.C.C. fined CBS $550,000 for Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction”.
2004 – The TV show “Lost” debuted on ABC. It would run until 2010.
2008 – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the nominees for the class of 2009 — Jeff Beck, Metallica, Chic, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Run-DMC, The Stooges, War and Bobby Womack.
2008 – The U.S. Mint unveiled the first changes to the penny in 50 years. Abraham Lincoln’s portrait is still on the front, but new designs replaced the Lincoln Memorial on the back.
2010 – FOX unveiled the new panel of “American Idol” judges for Season 10. Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler join the only returnee, Randy Jackson.
BIRTHDAYS:
J. William Middendorf – 101 years old (1924) – Soldier and politician, 14th United States Secretary of the Navy
Leonardo Balada – 92 years old (1933) – Spanish-American composer and educator
T. Cullen Davis – 92 years old (1933) – Businessman
Jack McGregor – 91 years old (1934) – Captain, lawyer, and politician
Gene Mingo – 87 years old (1938) – Football player
Jeremiah Wright – 84 years old (1941) – Pastor and theologian
Toni Basil – 82 years old (1943) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress
Paul Hoffert – 82 years old (1943) – Keyboard player, composer, and academic
Paul Le Mat – 80 years old (1945) – Actor
Larry Dierker – 79 years old (1946) – Baseball player and manager
Robert Morace – 78 years old (1947) – Author and academic
Harold Carmichael – 76 years old (1949) – Football player
James Cartwright – 76 years old (1949) – General
Bob Goodlatte – 73 years old (1952) – Lawyer and politician
Jeffrey Leonard – 70 years old (1955) – Baseball player and coach
Debby Boone – 69 years old (1956) – Singer, actress, and author
Doug Wimbish – 69 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Mark Johnson – 68 years old (1957) – Ice hockey player and coach
Johnette Napolitano – 68 years old (1957) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Beth Catlin – 67 years old (1958) – Autistic savant
Neil Cavuto – 67 years old (1958) – Journalist and author
Joan Jett – 67 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and actress
Tai Babilonia – 66 years old (1959) – Figure skater and talk show host
Saul Perlmutter – 66 years old (1959) – Astrophysicist, astronomer, and academic, Nobel Prize Laureate
Scott Baio – 65 years old (1960) – Actor
Vince Coleman – 64 years old (1961) – Baseball player
Bonnie Hunt – 64 years old (1961) – Actress, producer, and talk show host
Catherine Oxenberg – 64 years old (1961) – Actress
Michael Torke – 64 years old (1961) – Composer
Ken Vandermark – 61 years old (1964) – Saxophonist and composer
Dan Bucatinsky – 60 years old (1965) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Mark Guthrie – 60 years old (1965) – Baseball player
Robert Satcher – 60 years old (1965) – Physician, engineer, and astronaut
Mike Richter – 59 years old (1966) – Ice hockey player
Michael Shank – 59 years old (1966) – Racing team owner
Matt Besser – 58 years old (1967) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Brian Keene – 58 years old (1967) – Novelist
Matt Sharp – 56 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Mike Matheny – 55 years old (1970) – Baseball player and manager
Mystikal – 55 years old (1970) – Rapper and actor
Elizabeth Bear – 54 years old (1971) – Author and poet
Luther Reigns – 54 years old (1971) – Actor and wrestler
Bob Sapp – 52 years old (1973) – Wrestler, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and actor
Jenn Colella – 51 years old (1974) – Actress and singer
Mireille Enos – 50 years old (1975) – Actress
David Berkeley – 49 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Daniella Alonso – 47 years old (1978) – Actress and model
Emilie Autumn – 46 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter, violinist, and poet
Swin Cash – 46 years old (1979) – Basketball player and executive
Michael Graziadei – 46 years old (1979) – Actor
Ashley Eckstein – 44 years old (1981) – Actress
Katie Lowes – 43 years old (1982) – Actress
Jerma985 – 40 years old (1985) – Internet personality
Teyonah Parris – 38 years old (1987) – Actress
Jon Bass – 36 years old (1989) – Actor
Denard Robinson – 35 years old (1990) – Football player
Carlos Correa – 31 years old (1994) – Puerto Rican-American baseball player
Haason Reddick – 31 years old (1994) – Football player
Dylan Windler – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player
Jessie Murph – 21 years old (2004) – Singer and songwriter
Sophie Rain – 21 years old (2004) – Internet personality
TODAY IS:
- National Elephant Appreciation Day: Take a trip to the zoo or a wildlife conservatory or fire up Disney’s Dumbo and appreciate one of Earth’s largest, most interesting creatures: the elephant.
- Hobbit Day: Embracing a whimsical world where small-footed folk gather, relishing hearty feasts, merry songs, and tales of their adventurous journeys.
- National Ice Cream Cone Day: Go out and get an ice cream cone, or make one at home to properly enjoy Ice Cream Cone Day, a day all about sticky, sweet, delicious ice cream on a cone.
- National White Chocolate Day: Creamy and sweet, this delightful treat is like a dreamy dessert canvas, ready to be sprinkled with colorful toppings and savored with joy.
- World Rhino Day: Visit a wildlife preservation, “adopt” a rhino, or donate to any of the many organizations caring for this fascinating but tragically endangered species.
- National Girls’ Night In Day: National Girls' Night In Day brings a wave of excitement every year on September 22. It's a day dedicated to celebrating friendships and taking a much-needed break from the daily grind. Women across the country look forward to this day as a chance to unwind, relax, and spend quality time...
- World Car Free Day: Car-free Sunday is a breath of fresh air in our busy lives. It is celebrated globally on this day each year. This day invites everyone to leave their cars at home and enjoy the streets free of traffic and pollution. People bike, walk, or use public transportation, seeing their cities in...
- Chainmail Day: Find a pattern online, grab your soldering iron (or get one…) and learn to make the defensive mainstay of fantasy and historical battle: chain mail.
- National Family Day: Let's hear it for the people who love us most, those who we can turn to in any situation, and who give us a sense of belonging.
- Falls Prevention Awareness Day: Falls Prevention Awareness Day is a special day we mark every year on September 22. This day is about learning and spreading the word on preventing falls, especially among older adults. It's a key time because falls are a major concern. They can lead to serious injuries or even worse...
- Dear Diary Day: Read the diary of a historical figure, or start your own diary to log your thoughts and experiences, think through your life, and focus your mind.
- National Centenarian’s Day: National Centenarian’s Day shines a light on people who’ve lived for a whole century—and are still going strong. These are folks who’ve seen it all: silent films, black-and-white TV, landline phones, and now smartphones in every pocket. They’ve laughed through good times, carried on through hard ones, and picked up...
- American Business Women’s Day: American Business Women’s Day celebrates the bold energy of women shaping the business world across the United States. It’s a moment to recognize their impact—running companies, launching ideas, leading teams, and making powerful moves in every industry. Whether in corporate offices or small businesses, women continue to break barriers, solve...
- National Flaunt Your Favorite Beach Towel Day: National Flaunt Your Favorite Beach Towel Day is a cheerful moment when people proudly display their beach towels. It celebrates personal style and bright designs. The day invites everyone to share a splash of color by laying out favorite towels at the shore or across a backyard lounge. Organizer Kinyatta...
- National Legwear Day: National Legwear Day celebrates the fun and flair of everything worn on our legs—tights, socks, leggings, and more. It’s a nod to those colorful, cozy, or sleek pieces that often complete an outfit. Whether it’s bold patterns or subtle sheers, legwear adds personality and polish. This day invites everyone to...
- International Day of Radiant Peace: A gentle calm spreads when people stop to notice peace in simple, quiet ways. The International Day of Radiant Peace invites reflection on that inner stillness that many often overlook. It draws attention to kindness shared in a smile, a pause, or a soft word. This day isn’t loud or...
- National States and Capitals Day: National States and Capitals Day is all about geography made fun. It gives people a chance to test what they know and learn something new. From little kids with flashcards to adults brushing up on maps, everyone can join in. Each state has its own capital, full of local flavor...
- First Day of Autumn: Many would agree that there’s something magical when the summer is slowly fading away, and the autumn is setting in. The air is getting crisper, and the leaves are starting to paint the landscape in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. This change, perhaps, is the most prominent on...
- Fall Equinox: As nature transitions, daylight and darkness find balance, marking a moment of cosmic equilibrium and changing landscapes with vibrant hues.
- Independence Day in Bulgaria: Independence Day in Bulgaria marks a significant moment of freedom and pride. It celebrates the day when Bulgaria declared its full independence from the Ottoman Empire, elevating itself from a principality to a kingdom. The proclamation took place in the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, a location deeply tied to...
- National Online Recovery Day: Recovery doesn’t always begin in a room full of people—it can start with a screen and a single click. National Online Recovery Day shines a light on how powerful digital support can be. People facing substance use struggles often feel alone, but online resources offer a lifeline. With just a...
- International Week of Deaf People: Promoting understanding and inclusion enhances communication, fosters empathy, and empowers those with hearing loss in our communities.
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- Sea Otter Awareness Week: Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. It is so significant that a whole week, Sea Otter Awareness Week, is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about them. The week is packed with activities, from educational events and live streams to adoption drives and donation...
- National Eye Health Week: National Eye Health Week is a special event held annually to spotlight the significance of looking after our eyes. This week encourages everyone to focus on their eye health and understand the importance of regular eye checks. This observance aims to educate people about eye health and promote actions to safeguard...
- Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week: Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week helps us imagine a new world. Picture a space where every car trip is a safe adventure - even for the tiniest tots. This is the vision that brought Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week to life. The week-long pivotal campaign raises a sad reality. We...
- Rosh Hashanah: Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year. It brings together moments of joy and reflection. Families gather, sharing meals filled with symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey, wishing for sweetness ahead. The shofar, a ram's horn, sounds during services, stirring hearts and minds. This blast calls for inner reflection...
- National Older Workers Employment Week: National Older Workers Employment Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of Americans aged 55 and up who continue to make a difference in the workplace. Held annually during the last full week of September, this event calls attention to the unique skills and strengths these experienced employees bring. Many older...
- Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
- National Surgical Technologists Week: National Surgical Technologists Week spotlights a vital but often overlooked part of the medical team: surgical technologists, who work behind the scenes to ensure every procedure runs smoothly. Their tasks range from preparing the operating room to sterilizing instruments and even assisting during surgery. The week celebrates their essential role...
- National Indoor Plant Week : Plants have the power to bring green from the outside in, livening up almost any space and supporting a better connection between humans and nature. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty and wide variety of houseplants that can be found during National Indoor Plant Week and throughout the year! History of National...
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
- Deaf Dog Awareness Week : Some estimates show that approximately 35,000 deaf dogs are living in the United States who were born deaf in both ears and more than 100,000 are deaf in just one ear. Many more will have become deaf throughout their lifetimes because of various circumstances. Deaf Dog Awareness Week is an...
- Farm Animal Awareness Week: Farm Animal Awareness Week highlights the importance of recognizing the lives of animals that provide food for us. This week aims to educate the public about the conditions these animals face and to promote better treatment. Many animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary spaces, which can lead to health problems...
- World Reflexology Week: Highlighting the benefits of this holistic therapy promotes understanding of its role in enhancing well-being and relaxation.
Powered by Days Of The Year
For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.
