Ellis Island Closes
On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island closed, after serving as America’s busiest immigration inspection station for over 60 years.
This Day in History
Birth of Benjamin Banneker
Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731, in Baltimore County, Maryland.
MacArthur’s Triumphant Return To Philippines
On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return to the Philippines.
First Televised White House Address
On October 5, 1947, US President Harry Truman delivered the first televised White House address.
Launch of Sputnik I
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first man-made object in space, which sparked the start of the Space Race with the United States.
Opening of National Museum of African American History and Culture
On September 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in Washington, DC.
Birth of Mary Church Terrell
Mary Church Terrell was born on September 23, 1863, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Birth of Baron von Steuben
Revolutionary War hero Wilhelm von Steuben was born on September 17, 1730, in Magdeburg, Kingdom of Prussia (present-day Germany).
EUROPA Stamps
On September 15, 1956, six nations came together to issue the first EUROPA stamps, a tradition that continues to this day.