April 20

Scott Winters April 20, 2025 1 Comment

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:

1775 – American troops began the siege of British-held Boston, MA.

1832 – Hot Springs National Park, in Hot Springs, AR, was established by an act of Congress. It was the first National Park in the U.S.

1836 – The U.S. territory of Wisconsin was created by Congress.

1837 – Erastus B. Bigelow was granted a patent for his power loom.

1841 – In Philadelphia, PA, Edgar Allen Poe’s first detective story, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”, was published in Graham’s Magazine.

1861 – Robert E. Lee resigned from U.S. Army.

1865 – Safety matches were first advertised.

1879 – First mobile home (horse drawn) was used in a journey from London to Cyprus.

1896 – At the Koster and Bials Music Hall in New York, NY, the first movie was shown. Until this time, people watched films by looking into a kinetoscope. This was the first time that an audience sat in a theater and saw a film together.

1902 – Scientists Marie and Pierre Curie isolated the radioactive element radium.

1909 – The first mile of concrete highway as poured at Woodward Avenue between 6 & 7 Mile roads in Detroit, MI.

1912 – At the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit it was opening day for the Detroit Tigers. The field was originally called Navin Field but was renamed Briggs Stadium in 1938. In 1961 it was renamed Tiger Stadium in Detroit, MI.

1916 – In Chicago, IL, the Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park (now Wrigley Field), defeating the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 in 11 innings.

1926 – Western Electric and Warner Brothers announced Vitaphone, a process to add sound to film.

1940 – The First electron microscope was demonstrated by RCA.

1951 – Don Gavriliu performed the first surgical replacement of a human organ.

1959 – “Desilu Playhouse” on CBS-TV presented a two-part show titled “The Untouchables.”

1961 – FM stereo broadcasting was approved by the FCC.

1964 – The first jar of Nutella left the factory in Alba, Italy. We eat about 350,000 tons of this stuff a year.

1965 – The movie “The Pawnbroker”, starring Rod Steiger, opened and broke an American mainstream movie taboo by baring female breasts for the first time.

1971 – The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that busing of students may be ordered to achieve racial desegregation

1972 – The manned lunar module, commanded by John Young, from Apollo 16 landed on the Moon.

1977 – Woody Allen’s film “Annie Hall” premiered.

1982 – The Activision game “Pitfall!” was released for the Atari 2600 game system.

1988 – The U.S. Air Forces’ Stealth (B-2 bomber) was officially unveiled.

1989 – Scientist announced the successful testing of high-definition TV.

1990 – Janet Jackson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1995 – The Frederik Meijer Gardens opened in Grand Rapids, MI.

1999 – Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold shoot and kill 12 classmates and a teacher, and injured 24 others, before killing themselves at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO.

1999 – Jane Seymour received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2007 – William Phillips barricaded himself in NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. He shot and killed a male hostage with a handgun before killing himself.

2008 – Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300 becoming the first female driver in history to win an Indy car race.

2010 – The Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers and beginning an oil spill that lasted six months.

2020 – President Donald Trump announced that he was suspending immigration to the U.S. due to COVID-19.

2021 – Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd by the Fourth Judicial District Court of Minnesota.

BIRTHDAYS:

George Takei – 88 years old (1937) – Actor (Played Mr. Sulu on TV’s “Star Trek”, “Star Trek” movie series)

Johnny Tillotson – 86 years old (1939) – Singer (“Poetry in Motion”)

Brian Lavender – 78 years old (1947) – Hockey player (Detroit Red Wings)

Craig Frost – 77 years old (1948) – Keyboardist (Grand Funk Railroad, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band). Born in Flint, MI

Jessica Lange – 76 years old (1949) – Actress (“Tootsie”, “Blue Sky”, “Music Box”, “Sweet Dreams”, “Cousin Bette”, “Cape Fear”, “Crimes of the Heart”, “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, “All That Jazz”, “King Kong”, TV’s “American Horror Story”)

Clint Howard – 66 years old (1959) – Actor (“Backdraft”, “Cocoon”, TV’s “Gentle Ben”)

Crispin Glover – 61 years old (1964) – Actor (“Dead Man”, “Twister”, “Back to the Future”, “River’s Edge”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “Willard”, “Bartleby”)

Andy Serkis – 61 years old (1964) – Actor (“24 Hour Party People”, “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”, “The Lord of the Rings”, “The Hobbit”, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”)

Shemar Moore – 55 years old (1970) – Actor (“Motives”, “Brothers”, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, TV’s “Criminal Minds”, “Birds of Prey”, “The Young and the Restless”, “Soul Train” host)

Allan Houston – 54 years old (1971) – Basketball player (Detroit Pistons 1993-1996)

Carmen Electra – 53 years old (1972) – Actress (TV’s “Baywatch”)

Joey Lawrence – 49 years old (1976) – Actor (TV’s “Gimme a Break”, “Blossom”, “Melissa and Joey”)

TODAY IS:

National Look-Alike Day: Mimicking faces, these individuals possess an uncanny resemblance that sparks curiosity and prompts second glances in crowds.
420: Are you canna-curious? Do you openly advocate for marijuana decriminalization? Well, 420 Day rolls around only once a year. As awareness grows surrounding the benefits of marijuana, it’s a day that many around the globe now openly celebrate. May the days soon be gone when millions who use pot for...
National Cheddar Fries Day: Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, whether dipped in ketchup or smothered in cheese sauce, these fries are a satisfying snack.
Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day: Speedy deliverers of deliciousness bringing joy to hungry hearts, swiftly transporting piping-hot slices of happiness right to your doorstep.
Coptic Easter: Coptic Easter, a day of profound significance for the Coptic Orthodox community, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This sacred event represents the triumph of life over death and fills the hearts of believers with hope and joy. On this day, churches abound in prayers, hymns, and a deep sense...
Volunteer Recognition Day: The easiest way to honor volunteers on Volunteer Recognition Day is to volunteer yourself; don’t have time? Make sure to thank a volunteer, and donate to their cause.
Go Fly a Kite Day: Go Fly a Kite Day is a breezy celebration that gets everyone outside to enjoy the simple pleasure of kite flying. It's not just about watching kites dance in the sky; it's a day full of joy, creativity, and a bit of science, too. Whether you're young or old, the excitement...
Chinese Language Day: Fire up Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or sign up for a language class to learn the world’s second most widely spoken language, which dates back as far as 1250 BCE.
Lelo Burti: Lelo Burti is a unique and vigorous event celebrated in the Georgian village of Shukhuti. It’s a thrilling spectacle where two teams from different parts of the village clash in a contest to push a 16-kilogram ball over their opponent’s goal line, marked by local streams. Hundreds of men participate...
National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day: National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day is a delightful celebration that adds flavor to any table. This special day honors the classic combination of savory ham and sweet pineapple, creating a tasty and visually appealing dish. The pairing of ham and pineapple has become a favorite for many, especially during festive...
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day: With its juicy, tangy sweetness and caramelized top, this classic dessert is perfect for any special occasion or a simple indulgence.
Egg Cracking Competition: The Egg Cracking Competition, known as tsougrisma in Greek, is a lively tradition celebrated during Greek Easter. Participants hold red-dyed eggs and take turns tapping them against each other. The goal is to crack the opponent’s egg without breaking your own. This playful event is more than just a game...
National Lima Bean Respect Day: With a tendency to be overlooked and under-respected, National Lima Bean Respect Day is here to pay honor to this quiet little bean that packs a powerful punch! Why Celebrate National Lima Bean Respect Day? Any day that brings healthy food to the forefront is certainly worth celebrating! And National Lima Bean...
Easter: Easter is here, bringing with it joy, chocolate, and time with loved ones. Celebrate the holiday with egg hunts, delicious meals, and maybe even a visit from the Easter Bunny!
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...
Passover Begins: Among the most solemn and meaningful observances in the Jewish calendar, Passover marks the beginning of an eight-day journey. This holiday, known as Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. The term "Passover" refers to the divine act of sparing the Israelites during the final plague...
Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...
Money Smart Week: Being smart with money isn't just about saving; it's also about making informed decisions and enjoying the process. Money Smart Week offers the perfect opportunity to dive into financial literacy and reconsider financial habits. In its essence, Money Smart Week is a lively event held annually to boost financial literacy...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
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...
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...
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...
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 Volunteer Week : Contributing time and effort, volunteering fosters positive change, enriching lives, and creating a ripple of goodwill in communities.
FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
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 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...
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.