Today in History graphic for June 8 featuring Universal Pictures, Babe Ruth's Detroit home run, the Beecher tornado, Ghostbusters, and George Orwell's 1984.

June 8 in History: Universal Pictures Is Founded, “Ghostbusters” Debuts, and Michigan’s Deadliest Tornado Strikes

Scott Winters June 8, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on June 8 in history, along with notable events that shaped entertainment, aviation, civil rights, sports, and Michigan history.

What Happened on June 8 in History?

Important events on this day include the founding of Universal Pictures, Babe Ruth’s legendary 626-foot home run in Detroit, the devastating Beecher tornado in Michigan, the debut of Ghostbusters, and the publication of George Orwell’s 1984.

JUNE 8 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1786 – In New York, NY, commercially manufactured ice cream was advertised for the first time.

1789 – James Madison introduced 12 proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution in the House of Representatives. By 1791, 10 of them were ratified by the state legislatures and became the Bill of Rights. Another was eventually ratified in 1992 to become the 27th Amendment.

1790 – The first loan for the U.S. was repaid. The Temporary Loan of 1789 was negotiated and secured on September 18, 1789 by Alexander Hamilton.

1861 – Tennessee voted to secede from the Union and joined the Confederacy.

1869 – Ives W. McGaffey received a patent for the suction vacuum cleaner.

1872 – The penny postcard was authorized by Congress.

1883 – Kalamazoo, MI was incorporated as a city.

1906 – Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act into law, authorizing the President to restrict the use of certain parcels of public land with historical or conservation value.

1912 – Carl Laemmle incorporated Universal Pictures.

1915 – Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan resigned in a disagreement over handling of the sinking of the Lusitania.

1926 – Babe Ruth hit the longest home run in major league baseball history at Navin Field in Detroit. The pitch by Lil Stoner was hit and sent over the centerfield grandstands onto Cherry Street. The hit was officially measured at 626 feet in the air. It then rolled a couple of blocks where a child on a bicycle caught up with it at an estimated 850 feet from home plate.

1934 – The Cincinnati Reds became the first Major League team to use an airplane to travel from one city to another. They flew from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL.

1947 – The “Lassie Show” debuted on ABC radio. It was a 15-minute show.

1948 – The “Texaco Star Theater” television show, hosted by Milton Berle, debuted on NBC.

1949 – George Orwell’s novel “1984” was published.

1953 – A record 125 tornadoes hit in the state of Michigan, the highest one day count. Beecher, MI was hit by an F-5 tornado, killing 116, injuring 844, and destroying 340 homes.

1953 – The Supreme Court ruled that restaurants in Washington, DC could not refuse to serve black patrons.

1961 – The Milwaukee Braves set a major league baseball record when four consecutive home runs in the seventh inning.

1965 – U.S. troops in South Vietnam were given orders to begin fighting offensively.

1968 – Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral took place at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, NY.

1969 – The New York Yankees retired Mickey Mantle’s number 7.

1969 – It was announced that there would be a single schedule for both the NFL and AFL.

1984 – The movie “Ghostbusters”, starring Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, and Ernie Hudson, debuted in theaters in the United States.

1984 – The movie “Gremlins” debuted. The film starred Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, with Howie Mandel providing the voice of “Gizmo”, the main mogwai character.

1987 – Fawn Hill began testifying in the Iran-Contra hearings. She said that she had helped to shred some documents.

1988 – The judge in the Iran-Contra conspiracy case ruled that Oliver North, John Poindexter, Richard Secord and Albert Hakim had to be tried separately.

1991 – A victory parade was held in Washington, DC, to honor veterans of the Persian Gulf War.

1995 – U.S. Air Force pilot Captain Scott O’Grady was rescued by U.S. Marines after surviving alone in Bosnia after his F-16 fighter was shot down on June 2.

1998 – Actor Charlton Heston was elected president of the National Rifle Association.

1998 – The Federal Trade Commission brought an antitrust complaint against Intel Corp., alleging its policies punished other developers of microprocessor chips.

1998 – Honda agreed to pay $17.1 million for disconnecting anti-pollution devices in 1.6 million cars.

1998 – The Space Shuttle Discovery pulled away from Mir, ending America’s three-year partnership with Russia.

2000 – The Dallas Stars and the New Jersey Devils played the NHL’s longest scoreless game in Stanley Cup finals history. The fifth game of the series lasted 106 minutes and 21 seconds. The game ended with a goal by Mike Madano that allowed the Stars to play a game six back in Dallas.

2000 – A federal judge ordered Microsoft to be split in two companies and imposed sweeping restrictions to stop antitrust abuses by the software giant. The Justice Department took the rare step of asking the Supreme Court to review the order.

2002 – The Lennox Lewis/Mike Tyson fight made its way into the record books as the highest grossing event in pay-per-view television history, raking in $103 million.

2004 – Nate Olive and Sarah Jones began the first known continuous hike of the 1,800-mile trail down the Pacific Coast. They completed the trek at the U.S.-Mexico border on September 28.

2005 – Macaulay Culkin pleaded guilty to two counts of drug possession in a court in Oklahoma City, OK, stemming from a September bust.

2007 – Kelly Allen Frank, who was arrested in 2005 for a scheme to kidnap David Letterman’s son and his nanny, escaped from Montana State Prison.

2007 – Paris Hilton was dragged from an Los Angeles, CA courtroom screaming, “Mom, mom, mom” and sent back to jail by Judge Michael Sauer. Paris would eventually serve a term of 23 days in prison.

2008 – The U.S. average price for a gallon of regular gasoline topped the $4 mark for the first time.

2020 – Another first for former astronaut Kathy Sullivan. She became the first woman to reach deepest point of the ocean — Challenger Deep in the Marianas Trench. Formerly she was the first American woman to spacewalk.

2023 – Former US President Donald Trump was indicted on federal charges of misusing classified information.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JUNE 8:

Robert Aumann – 96 years old (1930) – German-American mathematician and economist, Nobel Prize laureate

Nancy Sinatra – 86 years old (1940) – Singer and actress

William Calley – 83 years old (1943) – Military officer

Boz Scaggs – 82 years old (1944) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Sara Paretsky – 79 years old (1947) – Author

Eric F. Wieschaus – 79 years old (1947) – Biologist, geneticist, and academic Nobel Prize laureate

Emanuel Ax – 77 years old (1949) – Polish-American pianist and educator

Kathy Baker – 76 years old (1950) – Actress

Mary Bonauto – 65 years old (1961) – Lawyer and gay rights activist

Butch Reynolds – 62 years old (1964) – Runner and coach

Kevin Farley – 61 years old (1965) – Screenwriter

Julianna Margulies – 60 years old (1966) – Actress

Gabby Giffords – 56 years old (1970) – Politician and advocate for ending gun violence in the United States

Kelli Williams – 56 years old (1970) – Actress and director

Lindsay Davenport – 50 years old (1976) – Tennis player

Kanye West – 49 years old (1977) – Rapper, producer, director, and fashion designer

Maria Menounos – 48 years old (1978) – Television personality, professional wrestler, author, and actress

Derek Trucks – 47 years old (1979) – Guitarist, former member of the Allman Brothers band

Sara Watkins – 45 years old (1981) – Fiddle, ukulele, and guitar player

Keith Gill – 40 years old (1986) – Financial analyst and investor

Liv Morgan – 32 years old (1994) – Professional wrestler

Francesca Capaldi – 22 years old (2004) – Actress

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JUNE 8:

National Best Friends Day: Get together with your best friend, or take a little time to get in touch if you’ve moved away and strengthen your connection to that one person who always gets you.
National Upsy Daisy Day: Make a conscious effort to turn your usually grumpy mornings around by greeting the new day with warmth, hope, cheer and at least a little enthusiasm.
National Cancer Thriver Day: National Cancer Thriver Day celebrates individuals who have faced cancer and continue to live with strength and purpose. It’s a day that makes room for the whole person, not just the diagnosis, and it recognizes that life after cancer can be rich, complicated, funny, frustrating, and deeply meaningful all at...
Race Unity Day: Race Unity Day brings people together to celebrate a simple idea with big implications: humanity is one family. It invites communities to connect across racial and cultural lines in ways that feel human and doable, sharing meals, stories, music, and honest conversation that can turn strangers into neighbors. Though rooted in...
World Oceans Day: With oceans making up 66% of our Earth, it’s crucial we raise awareness about and tackle the threats facing these life-giving and life-containing bodies of water.
World Brain Tumor Day: Unlocking mysteries of the mind, sparking conversations, and fostering empathy through shared understanding and advocacy efforts.
National Fishing and Boating Week: National Fishing and Boating Week is a special time each year that encourages everyone to explore the joys of fishing and boating. Celebrated annually, it's a perfect moment to get outdoors, enjoy the water, and perhaps catch some fish. It's a period packed with fun, relaxation, and learning for people...
Bounty Day: Imagine stepping onto Norfolk Island on Bounty Day, where everyone suddenly becomes a time traveler. Locals dressed in old-fashioned frocks and hats parade through town as if they've just stepped off the set of a historical drama. It's like history class, but way more fun and with better snacks. Take advantage...
National Love Your Skin Day: Did you know your skin is your body’s biggest protector? National Love Your Skin Day celebrates the care it truly deserves. This day isn’t about trends or beauty fads. It’s about treating your skin with everyday care—washing gently, staying moisturized, and keeping safe from the sun. These simple actions can help...
USS Liberty Remembrance Day: In a moment etched in history, a terrible incident brought forth profound lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth.
International Clothesline Week: International Clothesline Week, celebrated annually, spotlights the old yet highly beneficial practice of drying clothes. It's a week dedicated to embracing the simple joy and advantages of hanging laundry outdoors. The fresh air and sunshine make clothes smell great and bring a bit of exercise and relaxation into our daily routines. How...
International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos: International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos is a global call to help elephants living in captivity. People everywhere speak up about how these intelligent animals suffer in small spaces. Many elephants in zoos live alone, far from the social herds they need. They walk in circles or stand...
Eat Flexitarian Day: Eat Flexitarian Day celebrates a way of eating that blends plant-based meals with occasional meat, fish, or poultry. It sparks curiosity by offering freedom: you don’t have to choose strict diets, but you can add more fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds to your plate. This idea appeals to many...
National Trailer Safety Week: National Trailer Safety Week is a dedicated week when experts, manufacturers, dealers, and trailer users unite to raise awareness about towing safety. It focuses on sharing clear, helpful tips—for instance, choosing the right hitch, checking tire pressure, and loading cargo properly—to prevent common problems like sway, light failures, or loose...
National Name Your Poison Day: The bartender greets you with a smile, "Name your poison." You peruse the menu, feeling like a kid in a candy store. The possibilities are endless! Finally, you make your choice and eagerly await your delicious libation.
National Little League Baseball Week: Batter up! Kids swinging for the fences, cheers from the crowd, and an abundance of team spirit. It's baseball fun for everyone!
National Headache Awareness Week: National Headache Awareness Week aims to shed light on the significant impact headaches have on everyday life. Celebrated in early June, this awareness week draws attention to the millions who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches. The event plays a crucial role in driving conversation and support around...
National Garden Week: Cultivating nature's beauty offers peace, creativity, and a rewarding escape from daily life's hustle and bustle.
British Heart Week: British Heart Week is a vital event dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and the importance of heart care. Organized by the British Heart Foundation, this week-long observance emphasizes the significance of cardiovascular well-being. How to Celebrate British Heart Week Get Moving Why not kick off British Heart Week with a...
British Tomato Fortnight: British Tomato Fortnight is an exciting time that celebrates the peak season for homegrown tomatoes in the UK. This event highlights the wonderful flavors and health benefits of British tomatoes, encouraging everyone to enjoy this versatile fruit in various dishes! How to Celebrate British Tomato Fortnight Host a Tomato Tasting...
Meet A Mate Week: Attend any number of fun events and meetups for singles during Meet a Mate week, and take the chance on finally finding your true love, no app required.
Diabetes Week: Did you know that the number of people with diabetes keeps growing each year? Diabetes Week aims to highlight this and raise awareness about living with this condition. This event brings attention to the struggles and achievements of those affected by diabetes. It encourages everyone to engage in conversations about...
Team Green Britain Bike Week: Team Green Britain Bike Week is a vibrant event that promotes cycling across the UK. It encourages everyone to get on their bikes, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace a healthier lifestyle. The week is filled with various activities and events that cater to all age groups and skill levels, making...
National Pet Wedding Week: Did you know that there's a special week just for pet lovers to celebrate their furry friends uniquely? National Pet Wedding Week, observed annually during the second week of June, is a time when pets get to experience the joys of a wedding ceremony! How to Celebrate National Pet Wedding...
National Commuter Challenge: The National Commuter Challenge is an exciting event that invites people across Canada to leave their cars at home and embrace sustainable transportation. During this week-long challenge, participants can walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transit instead of driving alone. It's a fun competition between cities and workplaces, encouraging everyone...
Community Health Improvement Week: Community Health Improvement Week, celebrated annually in the first week of June, shines a spotlight on the critical role health professionals play in our communities. This week serves as a reminder of how public health initiatives and organizations work tirelessly to improve health standards and access. It's an opportunity to acknowledge...