September 26

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:

1789 – Thomas Jefferson was appointed America’s first Secretary of State. John Jay was appointed the first chief justice of the U.S. Samuel Osgood was appointed the first Postmaster-General. Edmund Jennings Randolph was appointed the first Attorney General.

1903 – The Grand Rapids Speedrome, in Comstock Park, MI, opened for auto racing on its one mile track. It closed in 1966. It was located about where US-131 is today.

1905 – Albert Einstein published his first paper on the special theory of relativity.

1914 – The Federal Trade Commission was established by the Federal Trade Commission Act.

1934 – The steamship RMS Queen Mary was launched.

1949 – A new “Stadium” opened in Grand Rapids, MI. The first act was Spike Jones. The venue was located at 2500 Turner Avenue. It was most recently known as the DeltaPlex, before closing in 2022.

1955 – The New York Stock Exchange suffered its worst decline since 1929 upon receiving word of President Eisenhower’s heart attack.

1960 – Chicago, IL, was host to the first televised debate between Presidential candidates Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

1962 – The television show “The Beverly Hillbillies” debuted on CBS.

1964 – TV’s “Gilligan’s Island” premiered on CBS. The series ran until September 4, 1967.

1969 – “Abbey Road”, the last recorded album by The Beatles, was released.

1969 – The television show “The Brady Bunch” premiered on ABC.

1973 – The Concorde made its first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic in record-breaking time.

1975 – The movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” opened in theaters.

1981 – The Boeing 767 made its maiden flight in Everett, WA.

1985 – Shamu was born at Sea World in Orlando, FL. Shamu was the first killer whale born in captivity to survive.

1986 – A television episode of “Dallas” aired in which Bobby Ewing returned from the dead.

1986 – William H. Rehnquist was sworn in as the 16th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court following the retirement of Warren Burger. Antonin Scalia became the 103rd Associate Justice.

1988 – Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal in the 100 m sprint at the Seoul Olympics for failing a drug test.

1990 – The Motion Picture Association of America announced its new rating, NC-17. The rating was designed to bar those under 17 from certain films without the commercial stigma of the old X rating.

1990 –  The first musical police drama “Cop Rock” premiered on TV. Thankfully it only lasted 11 episodes!

1991 – Four men and four women began their two-year stay inside the sealed off structure known as “Biosphere II”, in Oracle, AZ. The project was intended to develop technology for future space colonies.

1993 – The eight people who had stayed in “Biosphere II” emerged from their sealed off environment.

1995 – The prosecution began its closing arguments in the murder trial of O.J. Simpson.

1996 – Astronaut Shannon Lucid returned to Earth after being in space for 188 days. She set a time record for both a U.S. astronaut in space and longest time spent by a woman in space in the world.

2006 – Facebook was opened up to everyone at least 13 years or older who had a valid email address.

2016 – In the first presidential debate Hillary Clinton faced Donald Trump at Hofstra University. It set the record as the most-watched debate in American history, with 84 million viewers.

2024 – Hurricane Helene made landfall in Perry, FL as a Category 4 hurricane, killing over 250 people, causing $78.7 billion in damage and became the deadliest hurricane in the mainland United States since Katrina.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jonathan Goldsmith – 87 years old (1938) – Actor

David Frizzell – 84 years old (1941) – Country music singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kent McCord – 83 years old (1942) – Actor

Jan Brewer – 81 years old (1944) – Politician, 22nd Governor of Arizona

Mary Beth Hurt – 79 years old (1946) – Actress

Louise Simonson – 79 years old (1946) – Author

Lucius Allen – 78 years old (1947) – Basketball player

Dick Roth – 78 years old (1947) – Swimmer

Jane Smiley – 76 years old (1949) – Novelist

Douglas A. Melton – 72 years old (1953) – Biologist and academic

Craig Chaquico – 71 years old (1954) – Guitarist

Kevin Kennedy – 71 years old (1954) – Baseball player, manager, and sportscaster

Cesar Rosas – 71 years old (1954) – Mexican-American singer-songwriter and guitarist

Carlene Carter – 70 years old (1955) – Singer-songwriter

Steve Butler – 69 years old (1956) – Race car driver and engineer

Linda Hamilton – 69 years old (1956) – Actress

Bob Staake – 68 years old (1957) – Author and illustrator

Michael Dweck – 68 years old (1957) – Photographer and director

Robert Kagan – 67 years old (1958) – Greek-American historian and author

Richard B. Weldon Jr. – 67 years old (1958) – Sailor and politician

Rich Gedman – 66 years old (1959) – Baseball player and coach

Jeanie Buss – 64 years old (1961) – Sports executive

Cindy Herron – 64 years old (1961) – Singer-songwriter and actress

Melissa Sue Anderson – 63 years old (1962) – American-Canadian actress

Al Pitrelli – 63 years old (1962) – Guitarist and songwriter

Joe Nemechek – 62 years old (1963) – Race car driver

Dave Martinez – 61 years old (1964) – Baseball player and coach

Craig Janney – 58 years old (1967) – Ice hockey player

Jim Caviezel – 57 years old (1968) – Actor

Ben Shenkman – 57 years old (1968) – Actor

Sheri Moon Zombie – 55 years old (1970) – Actress and fashion designer

Ras Kass – 53 years old (1972) – Rapper and producer

Beto O'Rourke – 53 years old (1972) – Politician

Shawn Stockman – 53 years old (1972) – Singer

Marty Casey – 52 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Julienne Davis – 52 years old (1973) – Actress, producer, and screenwriter

Dr. Luke – 52 years old (1973) – Record producer and songwriter

Gary Hall Jr. – 51 years old (1974) – Swimmer

Jake Paltrow – 50 years old (1975) – Director and screenwriter

Jaycie Phelps – 46 years old (1979) – Gymnast

Brooks Orpik – 45 years old (1980) – Ice hockey player

Christina Milian – 44 years old (1981) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress

Serena Williams – 44 years old (1981) – Tennis player

Zoe Perry – 42 years old (1983) – Actress

Nev Schulman – 41 years old (1984) – Photographer, television host, and producer

Greg Stiemsma – 40 years old (1985) – Basketball player

Sean Doolittle – 39 years old (1986) – Baseball player

Chris Archer – 37 years old (1988) – Baseball player

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – 32 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Jack Conger – 31 years old (1994) – Swimmer

Shake Milton – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Frankie Amaya – 25 years old (2000) – Soccer player

TODAY IS:

• National Alpaca Day: Alpaca Day is a special day that celebrates the unique and gentle alpaca. It falls on September 26th every year. People across various countries show their appreciation for these friendly animals. Alpaca Day highlights the importance of alpacas to agriculture, their contribution to the environment, and the need to conserve...
• 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!
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Human Resource Professional Day: Thank your HR department for the work they do, and attend a seminar or event to learn more about how they can help you and your co-workers in the workplace.
• National Dumpling Day: Celebrate the joy and deliciousness of everything related to these tasty little balls of dough with National Dumpling Day! How to Celebrate National Dumpling Day Consider some of these ideas for getting involved with National Dumpling Day: Enjoy Eating Dumplings Head out to a restaurant and order a big pile of...
• European Day of Languages: Diverse European languages weave a tapestry of communication, uniting cultures through a rich linguistic mosaic.
• National Chimichanga Day: Chimichangas are as fun to eat as the word is to say. So, get ready for National Chimichanga Day! History of National Chimichanga Day Simple but delicious, chimichangas are made from tortillas that are filled with spiced meats and beans, rolled up and placed into hot oil to deep fry them. Covered...
• National Johnny Appleseed Day: Johnny Appleseed Day is a special occasion that celebrates the life and legacy of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. This day is observed annually on September 26th, which marks the birthday of this American pioneer. However, some people also celebrate it on March 11th, which aligns with the...
• National Day of Praise and Worship: The National Day Of Praise And Worship is a recent addition to the calendar of religious observances worldwide. The one-day event encourages Christians, specifically, but people across every denomination, to express their faith. How do they participate? By having a day full of praise and worship for Him. History of National...
• Better Breakfast Day: Take stock of your usual breakfasts, and start your day off even better by making healthier choices that will keep you full and fueled, all day long.
• Lumberjack Day: Dress up as a lumberjack, eat a hearty meal, and honor the venerable, crucial, and often dangerous profession of lumberjacking with a thanks to lumberjacks.
• National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day: Raising awareness on the silent struggle, promoting mental health for those who protect and serve our communities.
• Shamu the Whale Day: Join in on the fun and celebration of orcas with Shamu the Whale Day! History of Shamu the Whale Day Highly intelligent, trainable and striking in their appearance, orcas are killer whales that have been kept in captivity for purposes of breeding as well as entertainment for humans. With their...
• 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...
• Love Note Day: Leave a little love note in an unexpected place to tell someone how you really feel, whether that’s your life partner, or a close friend or family member.
• National Key Lime Pie Day: Key lime pie is more than just dessert—it’s a little burst of sunshine on a plate. Made with tangy Key lime juice, sweetened milk, and a buttery crust, it’s the kind of treat that wakes up your taste buds. The filling is smooth, the crust adds crunch, and together they...
• National Mesothelioma Awareness Day: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, caused mainly by breathing in asbestos dust. It grows quietly in the body and often isn’t found until it’s already serious. National Mesothelioma Awareness Day brings this quiet disease into public view. Families, doctors, and supporters join together to raise awareness and spread...
• Stanislav Petrov Day: Honoring and celebrating the former Soviet military officer known for his critical role in preventing nuclear war during the Cold War.
• Macmillan Coffee Morning: A Macmillan Coffee Morning brings people together over coffee and cake to raise money for those living with cancer. Friends, families, and neighbours gather in homes, workplaces, or community spots. Hosts share tasty treats while guests donate what they can. Every penny goes to Macmillan Cancer Support’s vital services—nurses, helpline staff...
• 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 Situational Awareness Day: Your brain picks up more than you realize—glances, sounds, shifts in tone or movement. That’s where situational awareness steps in. It’s the skill of staying mentally present and tuned in to what’s happening around you. National Situational Awareness Day puts this idea in the spotlight. Whether you’re walking through a...
• World Contraception Day: World Contraception Day spreads awareness about birth control in a way that’s simple, open, and real. It helps people understand their options when it comes to preventing pregnancy. The focus isn't just on health, but also on personal freedom. Men and women learn what’s out there, ask questions, and make...
• AFL Grand Final Friday: The excitement of AFL Grand Final Friday is infectious. Fans from all over Australia gather in Melbourne to witness the Grand Final parade, filling the streets with cheers and team colors. Players and coaches ride through the city, creating a festive atmosphere. The day is more than just a lead-up...
• International Week of Deaf People: Promoting understanding and inclusion enhances communication, fosters empathy, and empowers those with hearing loss in our communities.
• 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...
• 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...
• 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...
• ​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 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...
• 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 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...
• Milan Fashion Week: Milan Fashion Week stands as a beacon of creativity and style in the fashion world. Designers and fashion enthusiasts flock to Milan for this event, eager to see the latest trends and groundbreaking collections. The city buzzes with excitement as top brands like Prada, Fendi, and Moschino unveil their new...
• 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...
• 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.
• 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...
• 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...
• World Reflexology Week: Highlighting the benefits of this holistic therapy promotes understanding of its role in enhancing well-being and relaxation.

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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.