October 11

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:

1811 – The first steam-powered ferryboat, “The Juliana”, was put into operation by inventor John Stevens. The ferry went between New York, NY, and Hoboken, NJ.

1869 – Thomas Edison filed for a patent on his electric machine that was used for counting votes for the U.S. Congress. Congress, however, did not buy it.

1881 – The first roll film for cameras was patented by David Henderson Houston.

1890 – The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in Washington, DC.

1899 – Augustes Moore Herring, of St. Joseph, MI, flew a powered “glider” at Dune Park, IN. His flight, powered by a compressed air motor, was before the Wright Brothers flight in 1903.

1899 – The Western League was renamed the American League.

1907 – The Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1 in the very first World Series game ever played in Detroit. The game was played at Bennett Park with 11,036 people in attendance. The Tigers lost the series the next day.

1910 – President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. President to fly in an airplane. He flew for all of four minutes with Arch Hoxsey in a plane built by the Wright brothers at Kinloch Field (now Lambert-St. Louis International Airport) in St. Louis, MO.

1929 – J.C. Penney opened store #1252 in Milford, DE, which made it a nationwide company with stores in all 48 states.

1932 – In New York, NY the first telecast of a political campaign was aired.

1939 – President Theodore Roosevelt was presented with a letter from Albert Einstein that urged him to develop the U.S. atomic program rapidly.

1950 – CBS’s mechanical color system was the first to be licensed for broadcast by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

1958 – Pioneer 1 was launched toward the Moon. Two days later, because of a trajectory error, it fell back to Earth and burned up.

1968 – The first manned Apollo mission, Apollo 7, was launched. It sent live television pictures to Earth. Wally Schirra, Donn Fulton Eisele and R. Walter Cunningham were the astronauts aboard.

1971 – Hugh Downs left the “Today” show and “Concentration”. He later became the host of ABC’s “20/20”.

1975 – On NBC, “Saturday Night Live” debuted with George Carlin as guest host. Janis Ian performed “At Seventeen” and “In the Winter.” Billy Preston played “Nothing from Nothing” and “Fancy Lady”. The show really took off the following week when host Paul Simon reunited with his former partner, Art Garfunkel.

1975 – Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham were married in Fayetteville, AR.

1983 – The last hand-cranked telephones in the United States were removed from service. The 440 telephone customers in Bryant Pond, ME switched to direct-dialed service.

1984 – Mario Lemieux made his debut in the National Hockey League with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored a goal on his first shot.

1984 – Aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a space walk.

1987 – The world’s largest pizza was made. It had 94,248 slices.

1991 – Anita Hill testified that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas made sexually explicit remarks to her when they worked together.

1999 – The world’s population reached six billion.

2000 – NASA launches STS-92, the 100th Space Shuttle mission, using Space Shuttle Discovery.

2001 – The Polaroid Corporation filed for federal bankruptcy protection.

2002 – The sniper preying upon the Washington, DC, suburbs killed his eighth victim, a driver pumping gas in Fourmile Fork, VA.

2006 – The TV show “30 Rock” debuted on NBC.

BIRTHDAYS:

James M. McPherson – 89 years old (1936) – Historian and author

Gene Watson – 82 years old (1943) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Daryl Hall – 79 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Thomas Boswell – 78 years old (1947) – Journalist and author

Lawrence Tanter – 76 years old (1949) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Catlin Adams – 75 years old (1950) – Actress

William R. Forstchen – 75 years old (1950) – Historian and author

Patty Murray – 75 years old (1950) – Educator and politician

Bruce Bartlett – 74 years old (1951) – Economist, historian, and author

Jon Miller – 74 years old (1951) – Sportscaster

Paulette Carlson – 73 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

David Morse – 72 years old (1953) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

David Michaels – 71 years old (1954) – Epidemiologist and politician

Norm Nixon – 70 years old (1955) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Stephen Spinella – 69 years old (1956) – Actor

Randy Breuer – 65 years old (1960) – Basketball player

Curt Ford – 65 years old (1960) – Baseball player and manager

Steve Young – 64 years old (1961) – Football player and sportscaster

Joan Cusack – 63 years old (1962) – Actress

Michael J. Nelson – 61 years old (1964) – Actor, director, and screenwriter

Sean Patrick Flanery – 60 years old (1965) – Actor and producer

Todd Snider – 59 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter

Jay Grdina – 58 years old (1967) – Businessman and pornographic actor

Artie Lange – 58 years old (1967) – Actor and comedian

David Starr – 58 years old (1967) – Race car driver

Peter Thiel – 58 years old (1967) – German and American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist

Jane Krakowski – 57 years old (1968) – Actress and singer

Brett Salisbury – 57 years old (1968) – Football player and author

Chidi Ahanotu – 55 years old (1970) – Football player

Vanessa Harding – 55 years old (1970) – Wrestler

MC Lyte – 55 years old (1970) – Rapper, DJ, and actress

Constance Zimmer – 55 years old (1970) – Actress

Petra Haden – 54 years old (1971) – Violinist and singer

Justin Lin – 54 years old (1971) – Film director

Brendan B. Brown – 52 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Dmitri Young – 52 years old (1973) – Baseball player and radio host

Rachel Barton Pine – 51 years old (1974) – Violinist and educator

Emily Deschanel – 49 years old (1976) – Actress and producer

Matt Bomer – 48 years old (1977) – Actor and producer

Desmond Mason – 48 years old (1977) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Rhett McLaughlin – 48 years old (1977) – YouTuber

Ty Wigginton – 48 years old (1977) – Baseball player

Carl Bussey – 47 years old (1978) – Soccer player

Trevor Donovan – 47 years old (1978) – Actor

Jamar Beasley – 46 years old (1979) – Football player

Andy Douglas – 46 years old (1979) – Wrestler

Jeff Larish – 43 years old (1982) – Baseball player

Terrell Suggs – 43 years old (1982) – Football player

Martha MacIsaac – 41 years old (1984) – Canadian-American actress, producer, and screenwriter

Tony Beltran – 38 years old (1987) – Soccer player

Mike Conley Jr. – 38 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Omar Gonzalez – 37 years old (1988) – Soccer player

Ricochet – 37 years old (1988) – Wrestler

Michelle Wie – 36 years old (1989) – Golfer

Joel Bitonio – 34 years old (1991) – Football player

Toby Fox – 34 years old (1991) – Video game developer and composer

Cardi B – 33 years old (1992) – Rapper

Brandon Flynn – 32 years old (1993) – Actor

T. J. Watt – 31 years old (1994) – Football player

Keldon Johnson – 26 years old (1999) – Basketball player

TODAY IS:

• National Chess Day: Strategy, thinking, creativity and endless possibilities fill the game of chess with fun and interesting opportunities for play!
• Bookshop Day: Bookshop Day is a special occasion for book lovers everywhere. It celebrates the charm and importance of local bookshops. These places are more than just stores; they are community hubs where people can gather, discover new stories, and connect over shared interests. The day is a reminder of the joy...
• Universal Music Day: Music is a natural part of life on this planet and Universal Music Day is here to raise awareness about and celebrate its benefits!
• Southern Food Heritage Day: The delicious aroma of pan fried chicken or the fluffy texture of a buttered biscuit, southern food brings about a sense of warmth and comfort. Southern Food Heritage Day is here to promote and celebrate the background of this delicious cuisine! How to Celebrate Southern Food Heritage Day Consider enjoying some...
• National Coming Out Day: Take the leap to come out of the closet and be proudly yourself, or get involved to help others take this often scary, important step towards living authentically.
• National Sausage Pizza Day: Pepperoni gets the spotlight too often, but sausage is a great pizza topping. Make a sausage pizza at home, order delivery, or try a new kind of sausage.
• National Time Management Month: National Time Management Month is a vibrant time to reassess how we manage our schedules. This month-long event highlights the value of organizing our tasks effectively. By improving our time management, we can boost productivity and reduce stress. Everyone, from students to professionals, can benefit from honing these skills. The main...
• I Love Yarn Day: Hop on social media to get involved in I Love Yarn Day, a day for sharing and exploring all sorts of yarn-based crafts, from knitting to crochet and beyond.
• National Motorcycle Ride Day: National Motorcycle Ride Day fires up engines every second Saturday in October. It's a thrilling day when motorcycle enthusiasts across the country hit the road to celebrate the joy and community of biking. This day isn't just about enjoying a ride; it's about connecting with fellow riders and embracing the...
• It’s My Party Day: It's My Party Day, celebrated on October 11 each year, offers everyone a fantastic reason to celebrate, regardless of the occasion. This day is all about embracing the joy of throwing a party filled with laughter, games, and memorable moments with friends and family. It's My Party Day is widely...
• National Costume Swap Day: While Halloween is meant to be spooky, the feeling doesn’t have to transfer over to the cost of buying a costume – or to the millions of tons of clothing that end up in landfills every year! National Costume Swap Day offers a distinct opportunity to celebrate Halloween with a...
• Black Girl Day Off: Black Girl Day Off is celebrated every year on October 11. This special day follows World Mental Health Day, highlighting the significance of mental health, particularly for Black women. It encourages Black women to take a mental day off to focus on their emotional well-being. It addresses the impact of...
• International African Penguin Awareness Day: While many people think of penguins as cold climate inhabitants, such as the ones in Antarctica, these delightful creatures can also be found off the southern coast of Africa in rather temperate climates. International African Penguin Awareness Day is here to bring attention to these rare flightless birds! History of...
• World Hospice and Palliative Care Day: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day brings attention to the care people need when living with serious illness. It speaks to comfort, dignity, and support when life feels uncertain. Doctors, nurses, families, and neighbors all play a part. They help reduce pain, listen closely, and stand by those who need...
• National Spread Joy Day: National Spread Joy Day is all about lifting spirits in the simplest ways. Think of it like a friendly nudge to brighten someone’s day—no big plans needed. Maybe it’s a note on a neighbor’s door, a quick message to a friend, or just taking a moment to really listen. These little...
• Holy Translators Day: Holy Translators Day celebrates the incredible contribution of scholars who brought knowledge to their people through translation. This special day highlights those who dedicated their lives to making important works accessible to a wider audience, especially in Armenia. By translating key religious and literary texts, including the Bible, they played...
• National Peyronie’s Disease Awareness Day: Peyronie’s disease affects the body in a quiet but powerful way. It causes curved, often painful erections because of internal scar tissue. This change can lead to emotional stress, distance in relationships, and deep embarrassment. Many men struggle in silence, unsure of what’s happening or afraid to speak up. National Peyronie’s...
• General Pulaski Memorial Day: General Pulaski Memorial Day honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who became a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Pulaski's exceptional cavalry skills earned him the title "Father of the American Cavalry." His dedication and bravery left a lasting mark on the fight for American independence. This observance also celebrates the...
• Urban Wildlife Conservation Day: People thrive on nature, no matter where they live! And considering that 80% of the US population lives in or near an urban context, it is vital to consider ways to protect and stay connected with wildlife and nature in a local setting. Urban Wildlife Conservation Day encourages everyone to not...
• International Day of the Girl Child: Every year, on October 11th, the world celebrates International Day for the Girl Child. This day shines a light on girls' potential and global challenges. It’s a day to promote girls' rights and address persistent gender inequalities. The essential goal is to encourage more opportunities for girls. The day also...
• 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...
• Baby Loss Awareness Week: Baby Loss Awareness Week brings light to a tender topic, uniting those touched by the loss of a baby. Celebrated from the 9th to the 15th of October every year, it offers a meaningful time for parents, families, and friends to honor and remember their dearly missed babies. This week serves...
• National Curry Week: Savor vibrant spices and rich blends, an aromatic dance on your palate, igniting a culinary journey of delight.
• Haemophilia Awareness Week: Haemophilia Awareness Week plays a crucial role in shining a light on bleeding disorders. This week helps educate the public about haemophilia, a genetic condition that affects blood clotting. People with haemophilia bleed longer than usual, which can lead to serious health issues. By raising awareness, the event aims to...
• International Cephalopod Awareness Days: International Cephalopod Awareness Days bring attention to some of the ocean’s most surprising animals. These aren’t your average sea creatures. Octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses all belong to this wild underwater group. They move like dancers, shift colors like mood rings, and squeeze through tiny cracks like soft-bodied escape artists. People...
• Celebrate Community Week: Fostering collaboration and proactive volunteering, Celebrate Community Week brings people together from all over the globe with a common purpose – to serve their communities and make the world a better, more beautiful place! How to Celebrate Community Week Join a Celebrate Community Week Event Working together to make a positive impact...
• National Midwifery Week: Midwifery is a practice that has been around since ancient times, where an experienced person is called upon to assist and lead when a woman is giving birth. Having evolved over the years, midwives are now extremely skilled and go through rigorous training to give compassionate and competent care to...
• National Spinning and Weaving Week: Two different crafts that often go together, spinning and weaving are ancient practices that are still relevant in modern times to producing all sorts of textiles and fabrics. Spinning in the process of spinning raw fibers, like cotton or wool, into threads. Weaving uses the threads or yarn to layer...
• Mental Illness Awareness Week: Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual event that highlights mental health issues. It takes place during the first week of October and aims to educate and reduce stigma around mental illnesses. This initiative brings together individuals and organizations across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and...
• 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.
• Active Aging Week: This seven-day campaign works to improve society’s messages around the topic of aging, promoting the positive aspects and contributions that older adults can have in communities. Get excited and get on board personally with Active Aging Week or encourage an older adult friend or family member to participate! History of Active...
• Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week: These superheroes of the hospital kitchen ensure patients receive delicious, nutritious meals, taking pride in boosting morale and recovery.
• Fire Prevention Week: Head over to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) website to learn what you need to do to protect your home and community in case of a fire.

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