October 24

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:

1836 – Alonzo D. Phillips received a patent for the phosphorous friction safety match.

1861 – The first transcontinental telegraph message was sent to President Abraham Lincoln from Justice Stephen J. Field of California.

1901 – Daredevil and Michigan school teacher Anna Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. She did this on her 63rd birthday.

1911 – Orville Wright remained in the air for 9 minutes and 45 seconds in a Wright Glider at Kill Devils Hills, NC.

1926 – Harry Houdini’s last performance, which was at the Garrick Theater in Detroit, MI. He would die a week later due to complications with appendicitis.

1929 – “Black Thursday” — investors dumped more than 13 million shares, causing a stock market crash and leading to the Great Depression.

1931 – The upper level of the George Washington Bridge opened for traffic between New York and New Jersey. Today, it is the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge.

1939 – Nylon stockings went on sale for the first time in Wilmington, DE.

1940 – The 40-hour work week went into effect under the Fair Labors Standard Act of 1938.

1945 – The United Nations was formally established less than a month after the end of World War II.

1946 – A camera on board the V-2 No. 13 rocket took the first photograph of Earth from outer space.

1949 – The cornerstone for the United Nations Headquarters was laid in New York, NY.

1969 – The movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” premiered in theaters.

1969 – Richard Burton bought his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, a 69-carat Cartier diamond ring for $1.5 million. Burton presented the ring to Taylor several days later.

1977 – Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday in October for the seventh and last time. The holiday was moved to November 11 the following year.

1989 – Disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker was sentenced to 50 years in prison for fraud.

1992 – The Toronto Blue Jays became the first non-U.S. team to win a World Series.

1996 – Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1997 – In Arlington, VA, sportscaster Marv Albert was spared a jail sentence after he made a courtroom apology to the woman he bit during sex.

1998 – The J.L. Hudson Department Store building in Detroit, MI came down.

2001 – The House of Representatives approved anti-terrorist legislation to permit police to secretly search homes, tap private telephone conversation and track Internet use.

2001 – The U.S. stamp “United We Stand” was dedicated.

2001 – NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Mars.

2002 – The police arrested 41-year-old John Allen Muhammad and 17-year-old John Lee Malvo as suspects in the Washington, DC Beltway sniper shootings.

2003 – The movie “Scary Movie 3” premiered in theaters.

2003 – In London, three Concorde jets touched down for the last time at Heathrow Airport, marking an end to commercial supersonic travel.

2005 – Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida, causing 61 deaths and over $20 billion in damage.

2008 – Jennifer Hudson’s mother and older brother were murdered at her mother’s home in Chicago, IL. An Amber Alert was issued for her missing eight-year-old nephew Julian. (His body was discovered three days later. Hudson’s brother-in-law was later convicted of the murders.)

BIRTHDAYS:

Norman Rush – 92 years old (1933) – Author and educator

John G. Cramer – 91 years old (1934) – Physicist and author

Malcolm Bilson – 90 years old (1935) – Pianist, musicologist, and educator

Santo Farina – 88 years old (1937) – Guitarist and songwriter

M. Rosaria Piomelli – 88 years old (1937) – Italian-American architect and academic

F. Murray Abraham – 86 years old (1939) – Actor

Merle Woo – 84 years old (1941) – Asian American activist

Bill Dundee – 82 years old (1943) – Scottish-American wrestler and manager

Bettye Swann – 81 years old (1944) – Singer-songwriter

Kevin Kline – 78 years old (1947) – Actor and singer

Kweisi Mfume – 77 years old (1948) – Lawyer and politician

John Markoff – 76 years old (1949) – Journalist and author

George Tsontakis – 74 years old (1951) – Composer and conductor

Doug Davidson – 71 years old (1954) – Actor

Mike Rounds – 71 years old (1954) – Businessman and politician

Brad Sherman – 71 years old (1954) – Accountant, lawyer, and politician

Cheryl Studer – 70 years old (1955) – Soprano and actress

Jeff Merkley – 69 years old (1956) – Businessman and politician

Ron Gardenhire – 68 years old (1957) – German-American baseball player and manager

John Kassir – 68 years old (1957) – Actor and voice actor

Michelle Lujan Grisham – 66 years old (1959) – Lawyer and politician

BD Wong – 65 years old (1960) – Actor

Mary Bono – 64 years old (1961) – Gymnast and politician

Bruce Castor – 64 years old (1961) – Lawyer and politician

Mark Grant – 62 years old (1963) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Janele Hyer-Spencer – 61 years old (1964) – Lawyer and politician

Ray LeBlanc – 61 years old (1964) – Ice hockey player

Doug Lee – 61 years old (1964) – Basketball player

Zahn McClarnon – 59 years old (1966) – Actor

Mark Walton – 57 years old (1968) – Voice actor and illustrator

Robert Wilonsky – 57 years old (1968) – Journalist and critic

Arthur Rhodes – 56 years old (1969) – Baseball player

Jeff Mangum – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Aaron Bailey – 54 years old (1971) – Football player

Zephyr Teachout – 54 years old (1971) – Academic

Caprice Bourret – 54 years old (1971) – Model and actress

Pat Williams – 53 years old (1972) – Football player and coach

Kurt Kuenne – 52 years old (1973) – Filmmaker

Levi Leipheimer – 52 years old (1973) – Cyclist

Laura Veirs – 52 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kalen DeBoer – 51 years old (1974) – Football coach

Corey Dillon – 51 years old (1974) – Football player

Monica – 45 years old (1980) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Zac Posen – 45 years old (1980) – Fashion designer

Casey Wilson – 45 years old (1980) – Actress and screenwriter

Tila Tequila – 44 years old (1981) – Singaporean-American model, actress, and singer

Macay McBride – 43 years old (1982) – Baseball player

Adrienne Bailon – 42 years old (1983) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress

Chris Colabello – 42 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Brian Vickers – 42 years old (1983) – Race car driver

Jeremy Evans – 38 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Chris Hogan – 38 years old (1987) – Football player

Charlie White – 38 years old (1987) – Figure skater

David Castañeda – 36 years old (1989) – Actor

Eric Hosmer – 36 years old (1989) – Baseball player

Elijah Greer – 35 years old (1990) – Middle-distance runner

R. J. Hunter – 32 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Krystal Jung – 31 years old (1994) – American-South Korean singer, dancer, and actress

Sean O'Malley – 31 years old (1994) – Mixed martial artist

Jalen Ramsey – 31 years old (1994) – Football player

Ashton Sanders – 30 years old (1995) – Actor

Jaylen Brown – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Garrison Mathews – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Kyla Ross – 29 years old (1996) – Gymnast

Bron Breakker – 28 years old (1997) – Wrestler

Daya – 27 years old (1998) – Singer

Amon-Ra St. Brown – 26 years old (1999) – Football player

TODAY IS:

• National Food Day: Eating well doesn't have to be boring or restrictive — fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods that energize and nourish you.
• Global Champagne Day: Bubbly, often used for celebrations, with a touch of elegance and effervescence, it's the classic way to toast to good times.
• World Kangaroo Day: Supporting marsupials in their natural habitat contributes to biodiversity, conservation efforts, and preserving Australia's unique wildlife.
• National Kangaroo Awareness Day: When you think of Australia, kangaroos often come to mind first. These unique animals symbolize the country's wild, vibrant spirit. Celebrating National Kangaroo Awareness Day is a wonderful way to honor and protect these iconic animals. Here are some fun and engaging ways to participate. Kangaroos are famous not only...
• National Bologna Day: That deli classic, with an unforgettable taste and a hint of nostalgia, perfect between slices of fresh bread.
• World Tripe Day: Tripe, it’s a word that has come to mean ‘pointless’, ‘silly’, or ‘false’. These terms are only appropriate in how the reputation of tripe as a culinary component has been undermined. Tripe is the edible lining of farm animals, primarily cattle. While it sounds off-putting to the average palette tripe can...
• Wear it Pink Day: Did you know pink wasn’t always seen as a soft or delicate color? Long ago, it was linked to strength and boldness. That energy still pulses through Wear it Pink Day. On this day, pink takes over offices, schools, and even street corners. People pull on pink shirts, socks, hats—whatever they...
• Take Back Your Time Day: Some days rush past in a blur. Take Back Your Time Day steps in with a bold message: pause, reset, and reclaim your hours. It’s a reminder that time isn’t just something we spend—it’s something we shape. This day invites people to slow down and choose what truly fills them...
• National Senior UTI Awareness Day: National Senior UTI Awareness Day draws attention to a health issue that often hides in plain sight. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults can be tricky to detect. Unlike younger individuals, seniors might not experience the usual signs like burning or frequent urination. Instead, they may show vague symptoms such...
• World Polio Day: World Polio Day brings global attention to a disease that once paralyzed countless children. Polio, a virus that can cause permanent disability, has seen a dramatic decline thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. This day serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of immunization and the collective actions needed to...
• My Best Winter Skin Day: My Best Winter Skin Day is a global event created by the Skin of Color Society. It kicks off a season focused on skin health during colder months. Dermatologists and volunteers share expert advice and provide free skincare samples at community events. The goal is to help people manage dry, itchy...
• World Development Information Day: World Development Information Day invites people everywhere to think about the world's development challenges. It encourages the sharing of ideas and knowledge to tackle issues like poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education. By sharing information, the day aims to raise awareness of these issues and inspire action. It emphasizes...
• United Nations Day: An assembly of nations—a beacon of global unity—striving for peace, justice, and cooperation on our shared planet.
• National Chemistry Week: Through intricate reactions and bonds, this noble science unveils the secrets of matter, forging advancements that enrich lives and shape the world.
• Ace Week: Raising understanding and recognition for a diverse orientation, asexual awareness fosters inclusivity and validation in society.
• Free Speech Week: Neither a political event nor an ideological platform, Free Speech Week is a unifying celebration reminding the people of the US that they all have a voice that may be used and that their neighbor’s voice and opinion are just as valuable as their own! As was written by Evelyn Beatrice...
• YWCA Week Without Violence: Every man, woman, and child can be more involved with building a community that has no tolerance for violence, provides resources and protection for those who need them, and shows honor and respect to every human being! The YWCA Week Without Violence provides a targeted opportunity to increase conversations, tell stories...
• Global Media and Information Literacy Week: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online? Media and Information Literacy (MIL) equips you with the skills to navigate and evaluate this information effectively. It helps you distinguish between credible news and misleading content, enhancing your ability to make informed decisions. Therefore, every year, from...
• National Parenting Week: National Parenting Week is a special time set aside each October to celebrate and reflect on the art of raising children. The week will shine a light on the critical role parenting plays in shaping children's futures. This week underscores the significance of good parenting and its impact on a...
• National Health Education Week: National Health Education Week focuses on the vital role that health education plays in improving public well-being. It encourages communities to focus on health literacy, helping people understand how to take control of their health. During this week, various public health topics are addressed to help people make informed choices...
• National Temperature Check Week: National Temperature Check Week emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring body temperature. This week raises awareness about how temperature fluctuations can signal health issues. By checking temperatures, people can detect early signs of infections and other conditions, promoting better health practices​. Why Do We Celebrate National Temperature Check Week? Celebrating this week...
• National Adoption Week: National Adoption Week is an annual event that celebrates the positive impact of adoption on children and families. This week provides an opportunity to share inspiring stories from adoptive families and highlight how adoption changes lives. It also helps to educate the public about the adoption process and encourages people...
• Respiratory Care Week: National Respiratory Care Week has been celebrated for more than 40 years, bringing attention and awareness to this critical healthcare role! How to Celebrate National Respiratory Care Week Thank a Respiratory Therapist Whether a friend, family member or colleague, show some appreciation to a respiratory therapist during this important week. Say...
• International Infection Prevention Week: With the hope of educating the public as well as acting as a reminder to those working in the medical sector, International Infection Prevention Week is here to shine a light on the necessity of active prevention of the spread of illnesses and infections! History of International Infection Prevention Week The...
• National Friends of Libraries Week: While many public libraries in the US do receive some funding from the government, it is often not enough to accomplish the programs and provide all the activities and resources the community could benefit from. Because of this, most libraries have relationships with local businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals who...
• Red Ribbon Week: Touching millions of people around the world since its inception, Red Ribbon Week encourages everyone, particularly high school and college students, to celebrate a lifestyle that is drug-free! History of Red Ribbon Week Red Ribbon Week is an initiative that started back in 1985 when it was launched in California. Eventually...
• Bat Appreciation Week: Did you know that bats are not just Halloween symbols but fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in our ecosystem? Bat Appreciation Week, celebrated annually from October 24th to 31st, highlights bats' importance and promotes their conservation​. Bats are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help control insect populations, pollinate...
• National Massage Therapy Awareness Week: More than just making a person feel relaxed, massage therapy can have all sorts of positive effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether it’s a short armchair massage to relieve stress or a full-body deep-tissue massage for healing after illness, this therapeutic practice can work on its...
• National Teen Driver Safety Week: As the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, car crashes by teen drivers need to be taken seriously and discussed healthily. National Teen Driver Safety Week raises awareness about this issue and brings opportunities to have important conversations about safety! History of National Teen Driver Safety Week The...
• Nuclear Science Week: Nuclear Science Week invites people of all ages, from all around the globe, to get involved and learn more during this important awareness event! History of Nuclear Science Week Beginning in the late 1800s and developing through the first half of the 20th century, the science of atomic radiation, nuclear fission...
• National School Bus Safety Week: Behind the wheel, they navigate the roads of possibility, ensuring the next generation's safe voyage to knowledge with a friendly smile.
• Map Reading Week: Being able to read a map is a fundamental life skill and the basis of all outdoor activities. We want to create an annual event that encourages everyone to improve their map-reading skills! During Map Reading Week, Ordnance Survey and other outdoor organizations will be providing help and support with all...

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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.