Discover what happened on September 25 in history as historic institutions took shape, groundbreaking innovations changed everyday life, sports milestones made headlines, and memorable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 25 in History?
On this day, Congress proposed the amendments that became the Bill of Rights, Michigan’s first State Fair opened in Detroit, Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first Tommy John surgery, and “The Rick, Darla & Scott” morning show debuted on WGRD in Grand Rapids.
SEPTEMBER 25 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1513 – Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European known to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas after crossing the Isthmus of Panama.
1789 – The first U.S. Congress approved 12 proposed amendments to the Constitution for submission to the states. Ten became the Bill of Rights in 1791, another became the 27th Amendment in 1992, and one remains unratified.
1849 – The first official Michigan State Fair opened in Detroit.
1884 – Lighthouse keeper Elizabeth Whitney Williams lit the Little Traverse Lighthouse at Harbor Point, MI, for the first time. Williams was one of the first female lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes.
1890 – President Benjamin Harrison signed legislation establishing Sequoia National Park in California, America’s second national park and the first created specifically to protect a living organism.
1919 – President Woodrow Wilson collapsed after delivering a speech in Pueblo, Colorado, during a nationwide speaking tour in support of the Treaty of Versailles.
1926 – Henry Ford announced that Ford Motor Company factory employees would work a five-day, 40-hour week instead of the traditional six-day workweek.
1926 – The NHL officially approved a franchise for Detroit. The new team became the Detroit Cougars, later the Falcons, before adopting the name Detroit Red Wings in 1932.
1928 – Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, the company that would eventually become Motorola, was incorporated in Chicago. The company later introduced the Motorola car radio and eventually adopted Motorola as its name.
1955 – CBS’s Toast of the Town was officially renamed The Ed Sullivan Show. The variety program had debuted in 1948.
1956 – TAT-1, the first transatlantic telephone cable system, entered service, dramatically improving telephone communication between North America and Europe.
1957 – The Little Rock Nine attended their first full day of classes at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, under the protection of federal troops.
1965 – The Beatles, a Saturday morning animated series inspired by the Fab Four, premiered on ABC. The series ran until 1969. (The actual Beatles didn’t provide their characters’ speaking voices,)
1965 – Willie Mays became the oldest player at the time to hit 50 home runs in a season. Ten years earlier, he had also become the youngest player to reach 50.
1965 – At age 59, legendary pitcher Satchel Paige became the oldest player ever to appear in a Major League Baseball game. Starting for the Kansas City Athletics, Paige pitched three scoreless innings and allowed only one hit.
1970 – The Partridge Family, starring Shirley Jones and David Cassidy, premiered on ABC. The series ran until 1974.
1973 – The Skylab 3 astronauts returned to Earth after spending 59½ days in space, setting a new endurance record for human spaceflight. The three-man crew included astronaut Jack Lousma, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1974 – Dr. Frank Jobe performed groundbreaking elbow ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John. The procedure—eventually known as “Tommy John surgery” — would transform sports medicine and extend the careers of countless athletes.
1977 – About 4,200 runners participated in the first Chicago Marathon.
1978 – Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 collided with a small plane over San Diego and crashed into a residential neighborhood, killing 144 people aboard the two aircraft and on the ground. It was the deadliest aviation disaster in U.S. history at the time.
1978 – Sports Illustrated reporter Melissa Ludtke won a federal court case challenging Major League Baseball’s policy barring female reporters from locker rooms, helping establish equal access for women sports journalists.
1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor was sworn in as the 102nd justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the first woman to serve on the Court.
1987 – The Princess Bride, starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, opened in theaters.
1992 – A Florida judge granted 12-year-old Gregory Kingsley permission to sever the legal rights of his biological mother, allowing him to be adopted by his foster parents.
1992 – NASA launched the Mars Observer, the first U.S. mission to Mars in 17 years. Contact with the spacecraft was lost shortly before it was scheduled to enter orbit around Mars in August 1993.
1995 – Ross Perot announced plans for a new political party that became the Reform Party of the United States.
1995 – The “Rick, Darla & Scott” morning show, featuring Rick Beckett, Darla Jaye and Scott Winters, debuted on 97.9 WGRD in Grand Rapids after the trio moved from 94.5 WKLQ’s “Q-Morning Zoo.” Read more about their move.
1997 – NBC sportscaster Marv Albert pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery in a highly publicized trial. NBC fired him shortly afterward.
2001 – Michael Jordan announced he was coming out of retirement to play for the Washington Wizards. He had served as the team’s president of basketball operations since January 2000.
2009 – The horror movie Paranormal Activity began its limited theatrical release.
2018 – Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to ten years in prison following his conviction on aggravated indecent assault charges. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction and ordered his release in 2021, ruling that his prosecution violated an earlier non-prosecution agreement.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 25:
Hubie Brown – 93 years old (1933) – Basketball player, coach, and sportscaster
Mary Allen Wilkes – 89 years old (1937) – Computer scientist and lawyer
David S. Mann – 87 years old (1939) – Lawyer and politician, Mayor of Cincinnati
Robert Miano – 84 years old (1942) – Actor and producer
Robert Gates – 83 years old (1943) – Lieutenant, academic, and politician, 22nd United States Secretary of Defense
Aram Saroyan – 83 years old (1943) – Poet and novelist
Robert Walden – 83 years old (1943) – Actor, director, and screenwriter
Michael Douglas – 82 years old (1944) – Actor and producer
Doris Matsui – 82 years old (1944) – Politician
Kathleen Brown – 81 years old (1945) – Lawyer and politician, 29th California State Treasurer
Gil Morgan – 80 years old (1946) – Golfer
Jerry Penrod – 80 years old (1946) – Bass player
Cheryl Tiegs – 79 years old (1947) – Model and actress
Mimi Kennedy – 78 years old (1948) – Actress and screenwriter
Jeff Borowiak – 77 years old (1949) – Tennis player
Anson Williams – 77 years old (1949) – Actor, singer, and director
E. C. Coleman – 76 years old (1950) – Basketball player
Burleigh Drummond – 75 years old (1951) – Drummer and songwriter
Mark Hamill – 75 years old (1951) – Actor, singer, and producer
Bob McAdoo – 75 years old (1951) – Basketball player and coach
Jimmy Garvin – 74 years old (1952) – Wrestler and manager
Cherríe Moraga – 74 years old (1952) – Poet, playwright, and activist
Tommy Norden – 74 years old (1952) – Actor
Ron Rash – 73 years old (1953) – Novelist, short story writer, poet
Sylvester Croom – 72 years old (1954) – Football player and coach
Luanne Rice – 71 years old (1955) – Author and activist
W. Daniel Hillis – 70 years old (1956) – Computer scientist, engineer, and author, founded the Thinking Machines Corporation
Jamie Hyneman – 70 years old (1956) – Special effects designer and television host, founded M5 Industries
Glenn Hubbard – 69 years old (1957) – Baseball player and coach
Randy Kerber – 68 years old (1958) – Keyboard player, composer, and conductor
Heather Locklear – 65 years old (1961) – Actress
Aida Turturro – 64 years old (1962) – Actress
Tate Donovan – 63 years old (1963) – Actor
Keely Shaye Smith – 63 years old (1963) – Journalist and author
Matt Battaglia – 61 years old (1965) – Football player, actor, and producer
Scottie Pippen – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player and sportscaster
Rob Schmidt – 61 years old (1965) – Director and screenwriter
Todd Philcox – 60 years old (1966) – Football player
John A. List – 58 years old (1968) – Economist and academic
Will Smith – 58 years old (1968) – Actor, producer, and rapper
Bill Simmons – 57 years old (1969) – Journalist and author
Hal Sparks – 57 years old (1969) – Actor, comedian, musician and political commentator
Tony Womack – 57 years old (1969) – Baseball player
David Weathers – 57 years old (1969) – Baseball player
Curtis Buckley – 56 years old (1970) – Football player and psychiatrist
Paul Pope – 56 years old (1970) – Cartoonist, writer and artist
Dean Ween – 56 years old (1970) – Musician
John Lynch – 55 years old (1971) – Football player and sportscaster
Bridgette Wilson – 53 years old (1973) – Actress, singer, model, and beauty queen
Daniel Kessler – 52 years old (1974) – English-American singer and guitarist
Matt Hasselbeck – 51 years old (1975) – Football player
Dat Nguyen – 51 years old (1975) – Football player and coach
Santigold – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Chauncey Billups – 50 years old (1976) – Basketball player
Charlotte Ayanna – 50 years old (1976) – Puerto Rican-American actress
Clea DuVall – 49 years old (1977) – Actress
Robbie Jones – 49 years old (1977) – Actor
Mike Krahulik – 49 years old (1977) – Illustrator
Joel David Moore – 49 years old (1977) – Actor
Wil Nieves – 49 years old (1977) – Puerto Rican-American baseball player
Ryan Leslie – 48 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Rashad Evans – 47 years old (1979) – Mixed martial artist and wrestler
Chris Owen – 46 years old (1980) – Actor
T.I. – 46 years old (1980) – Rapper, songwriter, producer, and actor
Rocco Baldelli – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player and manager
Jason Bergmann – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Lee Norris – 45 years old (1981) – Actor
Donald Glover (also known as Childish Gambino) – 43 years old (1983) – Actor, rapper, producer, and screenwriter
Matt Carle – 42 years old (1984) – Ice hockey player
Ivory Latta – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player
Zach Woods – 42 years old (1984) – Actor and comedian
Aldon Smith – 37 years old (1989) – Football player
Keauna McLaughlin – 34 years old (1992) – Figure skater
Teddy Swims – 34 years old (1992) – Singer and songwriter
Brandin Cooks – 33 years old (1993) – Football player
Antonia Gentry – 29 years old (1997) – Actress
Cade Cunningham – 25 years old (2001) – Basketball player
Leah Jeffries – 17 years old (2009) – Actress
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 25:
- National Comic Book Day: Read some comic books or enjoy any of the many television adaptations of comic book characters, from Marvel to DC and more, on National Comic Book Day.
- Hug a Vegetarian Day: If you know a vegetarian, give them a hug! Try going vegetarian for a day, and consider the reasons to choose this lifestyle: health, the environment, cost and more.
- National Lobster Day: National Lobster Day celebrates this decadent seafood delicacy, its rich history, fun facts, and the fishermen and festivals that bring lobster to the table.
- World Dream Day: Life's too short to let your dreams go unfulfilled. Take action today and make them happen. It's never too late to start!
- Save the Koala Day: Koalas, one of Australia's most beloved animals, are facing a threat to their survival due to habitat loss, bushfires, and disease.
- World Pharmacists Day: Get involved with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)’s yearly theme and events supporting pharmacies and pharmacists on World Pharmacists Day.
- National Quesadilla Day: Enjoy the fun and flavor that comes with this festive and delicious day: National Quesadilla Day! History of National Quesadilla Day Quesadillas were likely invented in the southern regions of Mexico where Aztecs would have made corn tortillas. It’s unclear exactly who started filling these corn tortillas with cheese. While...
- National One-Hit Wonder Day: Put together a playlist of your favorite one-hit wonders, those songs that pervade our lives while their artists are otherwise unknown or unpopular.
- National Doodle Day: Support funding and research into epilepsy, simply by doodling and submitting your little works of art with a donation to this important cause.
- Native American Day: Learn about the rich cultures of Native American tribes in your area. Support modern tribes by educating others, buying goods, and participating in events.
- National Cooking Day: Nothing beats the flavor and richness of a well-crafted, home-cooked meal. Dig out your recipe book, buy fresh ingredients, and spend some time in the kitchen.
- Binge Day: Clear your schedule, fire up your streaming service, grab the popcorn and settle in to watch way too many episodes of your favorite show on Binge Day.
- National Psychotherapy Day: Wear turquoise and help raise awareness about the benefits of psychotherapy and break through all the stigmas, misconceptions, and wrong assumptions.
- German Butterbrot Day: Start your day off right on German Butterbrot Day with a simple piece of toast and your favorite high-quality butter. That’s it!
- International Week of Deaf People: Promoting understanding and inclusion enhances communication, fosters empathy, and empowers those with hearing loss in our communities.
- National BRAVE Day: Have you ever thought about the quiet strength it takes to lift someone up when they feel like giving in? National BRAVE Day honors women who go out of their way to support others. It’s all about celebrating courage, kindness, and the beauty of standing beside someone in need. Whether...
- Lung Health Day: Lung Health Day is all about raising awareness of how vital our lungs are to everyday life. They keep us breathing, moving, and laughing. From the moment we wake up to the time we sleep, our lungs never take a break. Yet, many people don’t think about them until something...
- National Schnauzer Day: National Schnauzer Day is a joyful nod to one of the most expressive and spirited dog breeds around. With their shaggy eyebrows, proud stance, and lively bark, Schnauzers leave a mark wherever they go. Whether they’re small enough to fit in your lap or tall enough to peek over a fence, each...
- National Research Administrator Day: Every big discovery starts with more than just a great idea. Behind each research project, someone organizes the details, secures funding, and keeps everything on schedule. That person is often a research administrator. They work quietly in labs, universities, and institutes, making sure scientists and scholars have what they need...
- National Open The Magic Day: Cracking open a picture book can feel like lifting the lid on a treasure chest. That’s the heart of National Open The Magic Day. It’s all about slowing down, reading aloud, and letting words stir the imagination. On this day, classrooms, libraries, and living rooms come alive with voices reading...
- Math Storytelling Day: Math Storytelling Day brings together the precision of numbers and the creativity of narratives. This special occasion encourages individuals to explore mathematical concepts through engaging stories, making math more approachable and enjoyable. By weaving numbers into tales, complex ideas become clearer, and the subject transforms into something relatable. This approach not...
- National Tune-Up Day: As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, it's the perfect time to focus on your home's heating system. National Tune-Up Day encourages homeowners to ensure their heating systems are in top shape before the chill of winter sets in. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, providing consistent...
- Sport Purple for Platelets Day: Sport Purple for Platelets Day brings people together to support those living with platelet disorders. Wearing purple on this day helps raise awareness about conditions like immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), where the body mistakenly attacks its own platelets, leading to easy bruising and bleeding. By participating, individuals show solidarity and help...
- National YogaFit Day: National YogaFit Day celebrates the connection between movement and mindfulness. It invites everyone, whether seasoned yogis or curious newcomers, to explore how yoga blends strength, balance, and calm. This day isn't about perfect poses; it's about tuning into your body, breathing deeply, and finding peace in motion. From gentle stretches...
- Fairtrade Fortnight: Supporting Fairtrade, means contributing to a more sustainable and equitable global market. Plus, you get to enjoy some delicious products!
- National Daughter Day: From tea parties to movie nights, their laughter is infectious, and their love is boundless. Daughters are life's little blessings.
- International Ataxia Awareness Day: Imagine waking up and struggling to walk straight, speak clearly, or even swallow without effort. That’s the daily reality for people living with ataxia. This neurological condition affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance. Symptoms can appear at any age and often mimic clumsiness...
- Small Pet Rodent Awareness Week : Embracing a tiny companion, discover joy in caring for a pocket-sized friend, adding warmth to daily life.
- National Roadkill Day: National Roadkill Day is a unique event that draws attention to the often-overlooked issue of animals killed on our roads. This day highlights the impact of road traffic on wildlife and encourages us to consider the safety of animals when driving. It also promotes the use of roadkill as a...
- Mid-Autumn Festival: During this enchanting celebration, families gather under the moonlit sky to relish delightful treats, share laughter, and celebrate unity and abundance.
- Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week: Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week helps us imagine a new world. Picture a space where every car trip is a safe adventure - even for the tiniest tots. This is the vision that brought Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week to life. The week-long pivotal campaign raises a sad reality. We...
- National Eye Health Week: National Eye Health Week is a special event held annually to spotlight the significance of looking after our eyes. This week encourages everyone to focus on their eye health and understand the importance of regular eye checks. This observance aims to educate people about eye health and promote actions to safeguard...
- Sea Otter Awareness Week: Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. It is so significant that a whole week, Sea Otter Awareness Week, is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about them. The week is packed with activities, from educational events and live streams to adoption drives and donation...
- 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...
- National Older Workers Employment Week: National Older Workers Employment Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of Americans aged 55 and up who continue to make a difference in the workplace. Held annually during the last full week of September, this event calls attention to the unique skills and strengths these experienced employees bring. Many older...
- 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 Indoor Plant Week : Plants have the power to bring green from the outside in, livening up almost any space and supporting a better connection between humans and nature. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty and wide variety of houseplants that can be found during National Indoor Plant Week and throughout the year! History of National...
- National Coding Week: National Coding Week is a time to celebrate and explore the world of coding. It brings people of all ages together to discover the creative and problem-solving power of programming. The week focuses on the skills needed in today’s digital world. It's an opportunity to unlock potential and encourage everyone...
- National Surgical Technologists Week: National Surgical Technologists Week spotlights a vital but often overlooked part of the medical team: surgical technologists, who work behind the scenes to ensure every procedure runs smoothly. Their tasks range from preparing the operating room to sterilizing instruments and even assisting during surgery. The week celebrates their essential role...
- Thinking of You Week: Surprising a loved one with heartfelt words in the mail can uplift spirits and remind them they're cherished beyond measure.
- World Reflexology Week: Highlighting the benefits of this holistic therapy promotes understanding of its role in enhancing well-being and relaxation.
- Farm Animal Awareness Week: Farm Animal Awareness Week highlights the importance of recognizing the lives of animals that provide food for us. This week aims to educate the public about the conditions these animals face and to promote better treatment. Many animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary spaces, which can lead to health problems...
- National Construction Appreciation Week : While construction workers have sometimes gotten a bad rap for being a bit rough around the edges, this is the industry that builds the nation's cities and towns from the ground up. With a whopping 8 million employees in the construction industry throughout the United States, this is a sector...
- Deaf Dog Awareness Week : Some estimates show that approximately 35,000 deaf dogs are living in the United States who were born deaf in both ears and more than 100,000 are deaf in just one ear. Many more will have become deaf throughout their lifetimes because of various circumstances. Deaf Dog Awareness Week is an...
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