Birth of Everett Dirksen
Statesman Everett McKinley Dirksen was born on January 4, 1896, in Pekin, Illinois.
American History
March of Dimes
On January 3, 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt established the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later renamed the March of Dimes.
Birth of Oscar Micheaux
Author, director, and producer Oscar Devereaux Micheaux was born on January 2, 1884, in Metropolis, Illinois.
Birth of Thomas Macdonough
Thomas Macdonough (born McDonough) Jr. was born on December 31, 1783, in New Castle County, Delaware. The town in which he was born was later named McDonough in his honor.
Another Victory for Old Ironsides
On December 29, 1812, the USS Constitution scored another American victory at sea in the War of 1812.
It’s Howdy Doody Time!
On December 27, 1947, Howdy Doody made his television debut on Puppet Playhouse. Howdy Doody was one of the first TV programs made for children and produced in color.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
On December 26, 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts was founded – the first and oldest art museum and art school in the country. The Academy was the brainchild of artist Charles Willson Peale, sculptor Benjamin Rush, and other artists and businessmen.
First Run of the Best Friend of Charleston
On December 25, 1830, the Best Friend of Charleston completed its first run.
First Non-Stop Non-Refueled Flight Around the Globe
On December 23, 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed the first non-stop flight around the world without refueling.