September 18 in History: The Air Force Is Born, Voyager Looks Home & Ford Museum Opens

Discover what happened on September 18 in history as new institutions took shape, technological breakthroughs changed everyday life, television favorites made their debuts, and remarkable achievements helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on September 18 in History?

On this day, George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol, the United States Air Force became a separate military branch, Voyager 1 photographed Earth and the Moon together, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum was dedicated in Grand Rapids.

SEPTEMBER 18 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1769 – The Boston Gazette reported that instrument maker John Harris had built what it called the first spinet made in America. The small harpsichord-like instrument was made in Boston and shipped to Newport, RI.

1793 – President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., during a Masonic ceremony.

1830 – Peter Cooper’s experimental Tom Thumb steam locomotive raced a horse-drawn railcar near Baltimore. The locomotive initially pulled ahead but lost after suffering mechanical trouble.

1851 – The first issue of the New-York Daily Times was published. The newspaper later shortened its name to The New York Times.

1870 – Members of the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition observed and named Old Faithful during their exploration of the Yellowstone region.

1895 – According to chiropractic tradition, Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, IA, an event regarded as the beginning of the modern chiropractic profession.

1927 – The Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System began network broadcasting with 16 radio stations. The network later became known as CBS.

1946 – Mound Metalcraft was founded in Mound, MN. The company soon began manufacturing metal toy trucks and eventually changed its name to Tonka Toys.

1947 – The United States Air Force became a separate branch of the U.S. military under the National Security Act of 1947

1963 – The Patty Duke Show premiered on ABC, with Patty Duke playing identical cousins Patty and Cathy Lane.

1964 – The Addams Family, based on Charles Addams’ macabre cartoons, premiered on ABC. The series starred John Astin and Carolyn Jones as Gomez and Morticia Addams.

1965 – Get Smart, created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry and starring Don Adams as secret agent Maxwell Smart, premiered on NBC.

1965 – I Dream of Jeannie, starring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, premiered on NBC.

1969 – Tiny Tim announced his engagement to Victoria “Miss Vicki” Budinger during The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The couple later married live on the show in December.

1975 – FBI agents captured newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst in San Francisco, 19 months after she had been kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

1977 – NASA’s Voyager 1 photographed Earth and the Moon together in a single frame from 7.25 million miles away—the first spacecraft image to capture both worlds together in one photograph.

1981 – The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum was dedicated in Grand Rapids, MI, honoring the life and presidency of Gerald Ford. Read more about it here.

1983 – The members of KISS appeared publicly on MTV without their trademark stage makeup, revealing their faces together to television audiences.

1984 – Aviator Joe Kittinger completed the first solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by balloon.

1985 – David Letterman presented the first Top Ten List on Late Night with David Letterman. The topic was “Top Ten Words That Almost Rhyme with Peas.”

1987 – Disney’s DuckTales debuted with the two-hour television movie The Treasure of the Golden Suns. The regular syndicated series began three days later.

1987 – Fatal Attraction, starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, opened in theaters.

1998 – The FDA approved efavirenz, marketed as Sustiva, a once-daily HIV medication designed for use in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

1998 – Rush Hour, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, opened in theaters.

1999 – Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa reached 60 home runs for the second consecutive season, becoming the first Major League player to hit at least 60 home runs in two seasons.

2001 – The first known letters in the 2001 anthrax attacks were postmarked in Trenton, NJ, and mailed to news organizations. The attacks ultimately killed five people and infected others.

2006 – The CW Television Network launched, created from programming and stations associated with the former WB and UPN networks.

2009 – Guiding Light aired its final episode, ending a remarkable 72-year run across radio and television. The daytime drama began as a radio serial in 1937 before moving to television in 1952.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 18:

Joseph F. Enright – 116 years old (1910) – Submarine captain in the United States Navy

Frankie Avalon – 86 years old (1940) – Singer and actor

Drew Gilpin Faust – 79 years old (1947) – Historian and academic

Lynn Abbey – 78 years old (1948) – Computer programmer and author

Beth Grant – 77 years old (1949) – Actress

Kerry Livgren – 77 years old (1949) – Guitarist and songwriter

Anna Deavere Smith – 76 years old (1950) – Actress and playwright

Ben Carson – 75 years old (1951) – Neurosurgeon, author, and politician

Rick Pitino – 74 years old (1952) – Basketball player and coach

Steven Pinker – 72 years old (1954) – Canadian-American psychologist, linguist, and author

Tommy Tuberville – 72 years old (1954) – Football player, coach, and Senator

Keith Morris – 71 years old (1955) – Singer-songwriter

Chris Hedges – 70 years old (1956) – Journalist and author

Jeff Bostic – 68 years old (1958) – Football player and commentator

Mark Romanek – 67 years old (1959) – Director and screenwriter

Stephen Flaherty – 66 years old (1960) – Composer

Konstantin Kakanias – 65 years old (1961) – Greek-American painter and illustrator

Mark Olson – 65 years old (1961) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Holly Robinson Peete – 62 years old (1964) – Actress and singer

Steffen Peters – 62 years old (1964) – German-American equestrian

Tom Chorske – 60 years old (1966) – Ice hockey player and sportscaster

Cappadonna – 57 years old (1969) – Rapper

Aisha Tyler – 56 years old (1970) – Actress, television host, and author

Lance Armstrong – 55 years old (1971) – Cyclist

Jada Pinkett Smith – 55 years old (1971) – Actress

James Marsden – 53 years old (1973) – Actor

Damon Jones – 52 years old (1974) – Football player and coach

Ticha Penicheiro – 52 years old (1974) – Portuguese-American basketball player and agent

Emily Rutherfurd – 52 years old (1974) – Actress

Travis Schuldt – 52 years old (1974) – Actor

Xzibit – 52 years old (1974) – Rapper, actor, and television host

Jason Sudeikis – 51 years old (1975) – Actor and comedian

Sophina Brown – 50 years old (1976) – Actress

Barrett Foa – 49 years old (1977) – Actor, singer, and dancer

Billy Eichner – 48 years old (1978) – Actor and comedian

Jennifer Tisdale – 45 years old (1981) – Actress and singer

Anthony Gonzalez – 42 years old (1984) – Football player and politician

Travis Outlaw – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player

Patrick Schwarzenegger – 33 years old (1993) – American-Austrian actor and model

Christian Pulisic – 28 years old (1998) – Soccer player

Aidan Gallagher – 23 years old (2003) – Actor and musician

Jackson Robert Scott – 18 years old (2008) – Actor

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 18:

• National Cheeseburger Day: There are many ways to make a cheeseburger. Try something new and exciting like a Reuben Cheeseburger, or get a classic at your favorite restaurant or drive-thru.
• International Grenache Day: Host a grenache day event with friends and family and enjoy different vintages of this excellent wine that hails originally from Aragon, Spain.
• Read An Ebook Day: Get lost in the world of a book, whether new or an old favorite, without the hassle of lugging it around, holding it up, or damaging it. That’s right, read an eBook!
• International Equal Pay Day: International Equal Pay Day is a special day marked each year on September 18. This day highlights the need for equal pay for everyone, no matter their gender. It aims to draw attention to the ongoing wage differences between the genders and advocate for fair pay across all fields of...
• 4pm Finish Day: Why even have that dreaded last hour of the workday? Plan ahead and get yourself ready to finish the day early so you can head out at 4pm instead of 5pm.
• World Water Monitoring Day: Grab a testing kit from your local hardware store, and make sure your water is safe. Check any pools for chemical levels, and check your drinking water.
• Rice Krispies Treats Day: A simple and delicious dessert or snack to enjoy, Rice Krispies Treats Day celebrates everything that has to do with this crunchy, tasty, marshmallow delight! History of Rice Krispies Treats Day A cereal made by the Kellogg’s Company, Rice Krispies appeared on the market in the United States in 1928...
• National Tradesmen Day: Give a big thanks and some thought and appreciation to the backbone of our society: tradesmen like carpenters, auto mechanics, bricklayers and much more.
• Raspberry Day: Promoting understanding of this unique medical condition, fostering empathy and support for those on their journey with hidden challenges.
• National Day of Civic Hacking: Hack your city! Civic hacking is a fun way to engage with your community and help make your city a better place to live.
• Global Company Culture Day: Global Company Culture Day, celebrated on September 18th each year, spotlights workplace culture's vital role in enhancing employee productivity and happiness. Today, organizations worldwide assess and enrich their cultural dynamics, aiming to create environments where employees excel and enjoy their work. This observance reminds us of the importance of nurturing...
• Purple Bra Day: Have you seen people wearing purple bras over their clothes today? It’s Purple Bra Day! This quirky event raises awareness for breast cancer with style and fun. Strut your stuff in a purple bra, join the conversation, and support the cause. Purple Bra Day is a vibrant event that grabs attention...
• Hug A Greeting Card Writer Day: Appreciate the creativity and positivity of those master word crafters who write the cards that tell others how we feel. Give a greeting card writer a hug!
• National Ceiling Fan Day: Whirling air companions, quietly refreshing spaces, their rhythmic dance embraces comfort with silent efficiency and style.
• National Jeans for Genes Day: National Jeans for Genes Day brings communities together for a common cause. People wear jeans to raise awareness about genetic disorders, and the day focuses on the struggles and stories of those affected. By simply wearing jeans, participants can show support and solidarity with the cause. This small gesture has...
• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day brings attention to the growing number of older adults living with HIV. This day highlights how advances in treatment have enabled many to live longer and healthier lives. With over half of those living with HIV in the U.S. now aged 50 or older...
• National Cartonnage Day: National Cartonnage Day celebrates a charming craft where cardboard meets fabric to create beautiful boxes. It highlights hands-on artistry, letting people transform simple materials into personal treasures. Enthusiasts call it relaxing and rewarding; the craft supports concentration and sparks joy. Makers gather with glue, fabric scraps, and boards to share...
• National Concussion Awareness Day: Concussions can range from mild to life-threatening, so it’s always important to learn the signs and make sure anyone with a concussion gets medical help ASAP.
• National First Love Day: Let nostalgia take hold of you and remember all the joys and pains of your first love. If you’re on good terms, maybe get in touch with that person.
• Recycle Now Week: Recycle Now Week is a lively celebration focused on boosting recycling efforts across the UK. This special week brings together communities, businesses, and local authorities to emphasize the importance of recycling the right materials more often. Through engaging campaigns and fun activities, Recycle Now Week inspires everyone to participate and...
• National Report Kickback Fraud Day: National Report Kickback Fraud Day spotlights a hidden problem: secret payments that twist public deals. These under-the-table exchanges, often between contractors and officials, can drain billions from government funds. Imagine a company winning a contract not because it's the best choice, but because it slipped someone a bribe. That’s kickback...
• Chiropractic Founders Day: Chiropractic Founders Day marks the moment when the first spinal adjustment opened a new path in health care. This day honors the event when D.D. Palmer restored a man’s hearing by adjusting his spine. It sparks interest in how a simple, hands-on approach reshaped ideas about healing. Many people today...
• Housekeepers Week: Housekeeping is tough and often thankless work, so make sure to give a big thank-you and even a small gift to the housekeepers who keep hotels and the like clean.
• National Parent Teacher Home Visits Week: Building bridges through educator and family interactions, strengthening support networks to nurture student growth and achievement.
• Professional Care Workers’ Week: Dedicated to aiding, professional care workers uplift lives through compassion, ensuring well-being in every interaction.
• World Mitochondrial Disease Week: Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy. While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it...
• World Bamboo Day: Discover the versatility and sustainability of a plant that offers strength, beauty, and eco-friendly solutions for various industries.
• National Respect Day: Pay attention to your loved ones, and make a point of treating everyone with due respect…and yeah, maybe also play Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” on repeat.
• U.S. Air Force Day: A symbol of dedication and strength, this aerial defense team safeguards the skies, enabling freedom and security for the nation.
• Chile’s Independence Day: Chile's Independence Day is a time of national pride and celebration. It marks the moment when Chileans came together to forge their path, breaking free from colonial rule. This day symbolizes the country's strength and unity. Families, friends, and communities unite to honor the courage that led to their freedom...
• National Neonatal Nurses Week : Providing compassionate care to newborns and support for families, these healthcare heroes play a crucial role in healthcare.
• 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...
• 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...
• 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.
• National Assisted Living Week : When older folks who need a little help move into an assisted living facility, it can sometimes feel isolating. National Assisted Living Week is here to bring attention to the ways that communities can live in a more multi-generational manner, and honor those in all phases of life while promoting...
• Biscuits and Gravy Week: National Biscuits and Gravy Week offers a perfect opportunity for lovers of this delicious dish to pay it some well-deserved respect, or for some of the more inexperienced to learn more and discover some new flavors! History of National Day A decidedly American dish, biscuits and gravy are believed to have...
• Healthcare Environmental Services Week: Healthcare Environmental Services Week honors the crucial role of EVS professionals in keeping healthcare spaces clean and safe. These skilled workers use careful cleaning and disinfection to stop harmful pathogens. Their efforts help prevent infections that could harm patients, families, and staff. This week highlights their daily dedication, commitment, and...
• World Wellness Weekend: World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is not only an event but it is also an international non-profit organization of the same name! This global event is organized to mobilize wellness professionals around the world, encouraging them to offer free wellness activities in their local communities to celebrate the topic of all-around...

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