This Day in History - Page 9

August 15, 2024

On this day in history, August 15, 1935, entertainer Will Rogers, aviator Wiley Post killed in plane crash

Will Rogers and Wiley Post, icons of Depression-era America, were killed in a plane crash in the northern tip of Alaska on August 15, 1935, while seeking a mail route to Russia.

August 14, 2024

On this day in history, August 14, 1935, Social Security is signed into law by FDR

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security bill into law on this day in history, Aug. 14, 1935, creating a federal safety net for older, unemployed and disadvantaged Americans.

August 13, 2024

On this day in history, August 13, 2004, iconic American chef Julia Child dies

Julia Child taught Americans how to cook — hosting TV programs, writing cookbooks and promoting traditional French cuisine. On this day in history, Aug. 13, 2004, she passed away at age 94.

August 12, 2024

On this day in history, August 12, 1877, Thomas Edison invents the phonograph

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph on August 12, 1877. It "will undoubtedly be liberally devoted to music," Edison predicted with stunning accuracy in 1878.

August 11, 2024

On this day in history, August 11, 1964, Beatles' iconic film 'A Hard Day's Night' is released

The iconic Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" was released on this day in history, Aug. 11, 1964, and would go on to win two Oscars. It captured Beatlemania and is considered a classic.

August 10, 2024

On this day in history, August 10, 1776, Declaration of Independence reaches London

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It took five weeks past that point for its rejection of British authority to reach London.

August 9, 2024

On this day in history, August 9, 1854, influential 'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau is published

On this day in history, August 9, 1954, the influential "Walden, or a Life in the Woods," by Henry David Thoreau was published, about the virtues of simple living in a modern world.

August 8, 2024

On this day in history, August 8, 1974, President Nixon announces his resignation

President Richard Nixon announced he would step down from the U.S. presidency amid the Watergate scandal and a lack of support from Congress on this day in history, August 8, 1974.

August 7, 2024

On this day in history, August 7, 1947, Thor Heyerdahl and the Kon-Tiki raft make it to Polynesia

Thor Heyerdahl and his crew aboard the Kon-Tiki raft made it across the Pacific Ocean to Polynesia on this day in history, August 7, 1947, after setting sail 101 days earlier from Peru.

August 6, 2024

On this day in history, August 6, 1911, TV sitcom star Lucille Ball is born

Future TV star and producer Lucille Ball was born on this day in history, August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. She would go on to make television history along with husband Desi Arnaz.