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This Day in History: The War of the Worlds
On this day in 1938, the nation is terrified by a too-realistic radio dramatization of H.G. Wells’s “The War of the Worlds.” Were...
tara
Oct 30, 20213 min read
This Day in History: The Van Buren Sisters' amazing ride
On this day in 1916, two women conclude a remarkable motorcycle ride across the United States. The Van Buren sisters had undertaken the...
tara
Sep 8, 20213 min read
This Day in History: Baseball player Jim Rice’s heroism at Fenway Park
On this day in 1982, a baseball player saves the life of a four-year-old boy. Boston Red Sox left fielder Jim Rice had been in the midst...
tara
Aug 7, 20213 min read
This Day in History: SS Eastland capsizes in the Chicago River
On this day in 1915, the excursion boat SS Eastland capsizes in the Chicago River. More than 800 were killed. It was the worst maritime...
tara
Jul 24, 20213 min read
This Day in History: The Hindenburg’s tragic last trip
On this day in 1937, the Hindenburg catches fire and crashes in New Jersey. Somewhat ironically, the airship was then celebrating the one...
tara
May 6, 20213 min read
This Day in History: A Boeing 737 crashes into the Potomac
On this day in 1982, a Boeing 737 crashes into the icy waters of the Potomac. Air Florida Flight 90 had stalled during takeoff, then...
tara
Jan 13, 20213 min read
This Day in History: FDR vs. Montgomery Ward
On this day in 1944, the federal government seizes Montgomery Ward. It was the second time that the government seized the company during...
tara
Dec 27, 20203 min read
This Day in History: FDR’s court-packing plan
On this day in 1936, a presidential race between incumbent Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Republican challenger Alf...
tara
Oct 15, 20202 min read
This Day in History: Calvin Coolidge's 1924 election campaign
On this day in 1924, Calvin Coolidge vacations at his family home in Vermont. He needed a break from his presidential campaign. He was...
tara
Aug 19, 20203 min read
This Day in History: Calvin Coolidge becomes President in the middle of the night
On this day in 1923, Calvin Coolidge takes the presidential oath of office. It was about 2:30 in the morning, and the former Vice...
tara
Aug 3, 20203 min read
This Day in History: The Sixteenth Amendment is considered by the states
During this week in 1913, several states ratify the 16th Amendment. A proclamation would soon be issued by the U.S. Secretary of State,...
tara
Jan 28, 20203 min read
This Day in History: Ellis Island releases its last immigrant
On this day in 1954, Ellis Island releases its last immigrant. The island’s immigration center had been in operation since 1892. Did you...
tara
Nov 12, 20192 min read
This Day in History: Howard Hughes’s “Spruce Goose” flies
On this day in 1947, the “Spruce Goose” flies for the first and only time. With a wingspan of 320 feet, it was the largest airplane to...
tara
Nov 2, 20193 min read
This Day in History: The origins of the Boy Scouts of America
On this day in 1912, Arthur Rose Eldred is notified that he will be the Boy Scouts of America’s first Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts might...
tara
Aug 21, 20192 min read
This Day in History: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a bus
On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Fortunately, the unjust...
tara
Dec 1, 20183 min read
This Day in History: Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot by an assassin
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot by an assassin. His death would strike the nation hard: Bobby’s older brother,...
tara
Jun 5, 20183 min read
This Day in History: Teddy Roosevelt and the Panama Canal
On this day in 1914, an old crane boat becomes the first self-propelled vessel to cross the Panama Canal. The man-made waterway would...
tara
Jan 7, 20183 min read
This Day in History: Richard Nixon claims “I am not a crook”
On this day in 1973, President Richard Nixon famously tells a room full of reporters: “I am not a crook.” The word “crook” fell harshly...
tara
Nov 17, 20172 min read
This Day in History: The 1971 Bombing of the U.S. Capitol
On this day in 1971, an unidentified person calls the Capitol switchboard in the wee hours of the morning. “This building will blow up in...
tara
Mar 1, 20172 min read
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