History Happened Today

When his ship sank during World War II, sailor Poon Lim found himself alone on a small life raft in the Atlantic Ocean. What followed was one of the most extraordinary survival stories ever recorded. On June 15, discover how one man survived 133 days adrift at sea against impossible odds.

Flag Day is celebrated across America every June 14, but few people know it began with the efforts of a young teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand. Discover how one classroom lesson grew into a national tradition and helped create one of America's most enduring observances.

On June 13, 1942, park ranger Roy Sullivan survived the first of seven documented lightning strikes. His unbelievable story would earn him a place in world record history and leave people wondering if some individuals are simply magnets for bad luck.

On June 12, 1926, explorer Roald Amundsen and his crew completed one of the greatest journeys in aviation history, flying over the North Pole aboard the airship Norge. Their daring expedition helped redefine what was possible in the age of exploration.

In 1925, cave explorer Floyd Collins became trapped deep beneath Kentucky, sparking one of America's first national media sensations. Millions followed the rescue attempt as the nation hoped for a miracle. It's a dramatic story of exploration, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.

On June 10, 1935, a laboratory experiment produced a remarkable new material called nylon. Originally created through scientific curiosity, nylon would go on to transform fashion, manufacturing, warfare, and everyday life. It's the story of one of history's most important accidental discoveries.

On June 9, 1868, pioneering work in sound recording helped lay the foundation for one of humanity's most revolutionary inventions: the ability to preserve sound. From music and radio to podcasts and voice messages, discover how a simple idea changed the way the world communicates.

On June 8, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt helped usher in a new era for the White House by embracing one of his favorite philosophies: the strenuous life. What began as a commitment to fitness eventually led to the White House's first swimming facilities, reflecting the boundless energy of one of America's most fascinating presidents. Discover the surprising story behind the pool, the presiden...

On June 7, 1925, 11-year-old Frank Neuhauser became the first National Spelling Bee champion.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in history.

On June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was shot moments after winning the California Democratic primary.

On June 4, 1896, Henry Ford tested his first automobile after knocking down a wall to get it outside.

On June 3, 1822, a devastating gunshot wound led to one of the most important discoveries in medical history.

On June 2, 1942, British commandos began preparations for a canoe raid that became one of World War II's most legendary missions.

On June 1, 1960, the Soviet Union exposed a U.S. spy plane operation, creating one of the Cold War's biggest diplomatic crises.

On May 31, 1881, the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition departed for the Arctic, leading to one of history’s harshest survival ordeals.

On May 30, 1778, Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire died after spending decades challenging authority and censorship.

On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first confirmed climbers to summit Mount Everest.

On May 28, 1934, John Dillinger’s legendary jailbreak helped make him America’s most famous outlaw.

On May 27, 1983, Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov chose not to report a false nuclear missile warning.

On May 26, 1796, Edward Jenner performed the first successful vaccination experiment against smallpox.

On May 22, 1972, survivors stranded in the Andes learned that rescue efforts had ended.

On May 21, 1962, three prisoners launched their legendary escape from Alcatraz using fake heads and a homemade raft.

On May 20, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space aboard Freedom 7.

On May 19, 1915, the Antarctic ship Endurance was doomed by crushing ice, beginning an incredible survival story.