This Day in History Class
1,999 episodes — Page 4 of 40
Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is stolen - February 12th, 1994
On this day in 1994, Edvard Munch's world-famous painting “The Scream" was stolen from the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Volleyball is invented - February 9th, 1895
On this day in 1895, the first game of volleyball was played at the YMCA in Holyoke, Massachusetts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three Black students are killed in the Orangeburg Massacre - February 8th, 1968
On this day in 1968, white state troopers shot and killed three unarmed Black students on a college campus in Orangeburg, South Carolina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” hits No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 - February 7th, 1976
On this day in 1976, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon claimed the top spot on the U.S. singles chart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds of swimmers are washed out to sea on Bondi Beach - February 6th, 1938
On this day in 1938, three massive waves created chaos on Australia’s Bondi Beach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States launches "Operation Cornflakes" - February 5th, 1945
On this day in 1945, U.S. forces began a secret operation to distribute Allied propaganda through Germany’s own postal service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Very Special Episodes
bonusOn Very Special Episodes, we tell one incredible story each week. Stranger-than-fiction tales about normal people in extraordinary situations. Stories that make you say, “this should be a movie.” Follow Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English down a different rabbit hole every Wednesday. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grand Central Terminal opens in New York City - February 2nd, 1913
On this day in 1913, New York City’s Grand Central Terminal was officially opened to the public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary is published - February 1st, 1884
On this day in 1884, the first section of the Oxford English Dictionary was published, covering the words “a” through “ant.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Private Eddie Slovik is executed for desertion - January 31st, 1945
On this day in 1945, American soldier Edward Slovik was shot to death for deserting his post.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Altar of Augustan Peace is dedicated in Rome - January 30th, 9 BC
On this day in 9 BC, the Altar of Peace was dedicated in Rome as a tribute to Caesar Augustus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Seeing Eye dog guide training school opens in Nashville - January 29th, 1929
On this day in 1929, the Seeing Eye was established as the first guide dog training school in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American aviator Bessie Coleman is born - January 26th, 1892
On this day in 1892, pioneering aviator Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scottish poet Robert Burns is born - January 25th, 1759
On this day in 1759, celebrated poet Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Scotland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Boy Scouts movement begins in England - January 24th, 1908
On this day in 1908, the first installment of Robert Baden-Powell’s “Scouting for Boys” was published in England.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The USS Pueblo is captured - January 23rd, 1968
On this day in 1968, the USS Pueblo and its 83 crew members were captured at sea by North Korean forces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lottie Williams becomes the first person to be hit by space junk - January 22nd, 1997
On this day in 1997, Tulsa resident Lottie Williams was struck by falling debris from a Delta II rocket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American singer Janis Joplin is born - January 19th, 1943
On this day in 1943, legendary rock singer Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The Jeffersons" premieres on CBS - January 18th, 1975
On this day in 1975, the groundbreaking sitcom "The Jeffersons" aired for the first time on CBS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. buys three of the Virgin Islands from Denmark - January 17th, 1917
On this day in 1917, Denmark sold the islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix to the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ivan the Terrible assumes the throne of Russia - January 16th, 1547
On this day in 1547, 16-year-old Ivan Vasilyevich was proclaimed the first tsar of Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nazi war criminal Ilse Koch is sentenced to prison - January 15th, 1951
On this day in 1951, Ilse Koch was sentenced to life in prison for crimes against humanity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Philosopher and Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda is born - January 12th, 1863
On this day in 1863, Hindu spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda was born in Kolkata, India. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Insulin is first used to treat a person with diabetes - January 11th, 1922
On this day in 1922, Canadian teenager Leonard Thompson became the first diabetic patient to be treated with insulin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The Greatest Show on Earth" premieres in New York City - January 10th, 1952
On this day in 1952, Cecil B. DeMille's "The Greatest Show on Earth" premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The last British convict ship arrives in Australia - January 9th, 1868
On this day in 1868, the last ship to take British convicts to Australia arrived at the port of Fremantle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
German Coast Uprising began / African American men secure the right to vote in D.C. - January 8th Flashback
On this day in 1811, the German Coast Uprising, a slave revolt in modern-day Louisiana, began.On this day in 1867, the U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Suffrage Bill, granting African American men the right to vote for the first time in the nation’s history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elizabeth Cotten born / "Rapper's Delight" becomes first Top 40 hip-hop song - January 5th Flashback
On this day in 1893, blues and folk musician Elizabeth Cotten was born near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.On this day in 1980, “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang became the first hip hop song ever to break into the Billboard Top 40.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Topsy the Elephant Electrocuted / Louis Braille born - January 4th Flashback
Topsy the Elephant was electrocuted on this day in 1903.On this day in 1809, French educator Louis Braille, namesake of the Braille reading and writing system, was born.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joseph Roberts became first president of Liberia / “Lord Haw-Haw” executed for treason - January 3rd Flashback
On this day in 1848, Black American merchant Joseph Jenkins Roberts was sworn in as the first president of Liberia.On this day in 1946, William Joyce, better known to the British as Lord Haw-Haw, was put to death for betraying his country on behalf of Nazi Germany.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duquesne Spy Ring sentenced / Nixon sets 55mph national speed limit - January 2nd Flashback
On this day in 1942, thirty-three members of a Nazi spy ring headed by Frederick Joubert Duquesne were sentenced to serve time in prison. --- On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon established a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour on every highway in the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frankenstein published / Johnny Cash plays a concert at San Quentin State Prison - January 1st Flashback
On this day in 1818, Mary Shelley's debut novel, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," was first published. --- On this day in 1959, musician Johnny Cash rang in the new year by performing live at San Quentin State Prison in California.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe loses part of his nose in a sword duel - December 29th, 1566
On this day in 1566, eccentric astronomer Tycho Brahe lost a large chunk of his nose in a swordfight with his third cousin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
H. L. Mencken perpetrates the Bathtub Hoax - December 28th, 1917
On this day in 1917, Baltimore journalist Henry L. Mencken published a faux history of the bathtub titled “A Neglected Anniversary.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. government seizes control of Montgomery Ward - December 27th, 1944
On this day in 1944, the Roosevelt administration seized control of the Montgomery Ward company for a second time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great Blizzard buries New York City - December 26th, 1947
On this day in 1947, a record-breaking snowstorm wreaked havoc in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
St. Francis of Assisi sets up the first Nativity scene - December 25th, 1223
On this day in 1223, St. Francis created the world's first Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Edward Johnson gives the first demonstration of electric Christmas tree lights - December 22nd, 1882
On this day in 1882, the first Christmas tree with electric lights was displayed at the home of Edward Hibberd Johnson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elvis Presley meets Richard Nixon - December 21st, 1970
On this day in 1970, rock icon Elvis Presley met with President Richard Nixon at the White House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” premieres - December 20th, 1946
On this day in 1946, Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" premiered at the Globe Theatre in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jonathan R. Davis single-handedly kills 11 armed outlaws - December 19th, 1854
On this day in 1854, Captain Jonathan Davis squared off against 14 bandits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kenneth LeBel jumps 17 barrels on ice skates - December 18th, 1965
On this day in 1965, American speed skater Ken LeBel set a world record by jumping over 17 barrels while wearing ice skates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The APA stops classifying homosexuality as a mental illness - December 15th, 1973
On this day in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association reversed its stance on homosexuality, declaring that it is not a mental illness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Agatha Christie is found alive and well after having gone missing for 11 days - December 14th, 1926
On this day in 1926, acclaimed novelist Agatha Christie resurfaced after a mysterious 11-day disappearance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Haribo candy company is founded - December 13th, 1920
On this day in 1920, Hans Riegel founded the Haribo candy company in Bonn, Germany.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leonardo da Vinci's notebook sells for over $5 million at auction - December 12th, 1980
On this day in 1980, a notebook containing writings and illustrations by Leonardo da Vinci was sold at auction for $5.1 million. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Edward VIII abdicates the British throne - December 11th, 1936
On this day in 1936, Edward VIII became the first monarch in British history to give up the throne voluntarily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mexican painter Diego Rivera is born - December 8th, 1886
On this day in 1886, renowned muralist Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting" hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 - December 7th, 1974
On this day in 1974, “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas kicked its way to the top spot on the U.S. singles chart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Expatriation Act - December 6th, 1915
On this day in 1915, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law revoking the citizenship of American women who married noncitizens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.