1972: Congress Passes Equal Rights Amendment
On March 22, 1972, the Senate approved the Equal Rights Amendment, which banned discrimination on the basis of sex. The amendment fell three states...
1980: United States Beats USSR in “Miracle on Ice”
On February 22, 1980, the underdog U.S. hockey team beat the powerful Soviet team in a thrilling upset at the Lake Placid Olympics.
USA 4,...
1953: Academy Awards Televised for First Time
On March 19, 1953, the Academy Awards appeared on television for the first time, and 34 million viewers tuned in.
Oscars Make Television Debut
NBC-TV’s broadcast...
1964: The Beatles Arrive in New York
On February 7, 1964, the Beatles were greeted by thousands of screaming fans as they landed at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York...
1887: First Groundhog Day Celebrated in Punxsutawney
On February 2, 1887, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, celebrated the first official Groundhog Day, a holiday with roots in ancient traditions.
The Origins of Groundhog Day
On February...
1959: Buddy Holly Killed in Plane Crash on “The Day the Music Died”
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. The day would be immortalized as “The...
1960: Earthquake Kills Thousands in Morocco
On February 29, 1960, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Agadir, Morocco. The 15-second event killed thousands and leveled parts of the city.
It was a...
1972: Nixon Leaves for China
On February 17, 1972, President Richard Nixon embarked on a diplomatic mission to normalize relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Meeting Sets Stage for...
1773: American Patriots Carry Out Boston Tea Party
On Dec. 16, 1773, members of the Sons of Liberty boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed their cargo of tea, taking another...
