Antarctic Treaty
On June 23, 1961, the Antarctic Treaty went into effect. Originally signed by 12 nations, it called for the peaceful use of the Antarctic Territory surrounding the South Pole.
Science
Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge
On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic after 14 years of construction. It was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time, measuring 5,989 feet.
Launch of the Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery. Sending back amazing images from the furthest reaches of space, Hubble has given us a better understanding of our universe.
The American Museum of Natural History
On April 6, 1869, the American Museum of Natural History was established in New York City. It’s become one of the largest natural history museums in the world, with over 34 million items.
Birth of Joseph Priestley
Joseph Priestley was born on March 24, 1733, in Birstall, West Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom. A noted scientist, he’s remembered for his work with electricity, oxygen, and carbonation.
Teddy Roosevelt Departs for African Safari
On March 23, 1909, former president Teddy Roosevelt set sail from New York City for a joint expedition with the Smithsonian Institution. He embarked on an African safari to collect more than 23,000 natural history specimens for the museum.
Happy Birthday Albert Einstein
One of the greatest scientific minds in human history, Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Württemberg, Germany. During his lifetime, Einstein wrote more than 300 scientific papers and received a number of awards, honors, and honorary degrees.
Birth of Josiah W. Gibbs
Scientist Josiah Willard Gibbs was born on February 11, 1839, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was a Yale professor, inventor, and formulated the laws of thermodynamics.
Creation of the U.S. Weather Bureau
On February 9, 1870, Ulysses S. Grant created the US Weather Bureau. Still in operation today as the National Weather Service, it provides weather forecasts and warnings for hazardous weather.