This Day in His-Story

On November 28, we celebrate National French Toast Day—a dish that began as “lost bread,” or pain perdu, when people soaked stale bread in milk and eggs to avoid waste, a practice that dates all the way back to ancient Rome. Over centuries, this simple recipe spread through Europe under many names, from England’s “French toast” to Germany’s “poor knight’s pudding,” eventually becoming the beloved...

The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 when Pilgrims and Wampanoag families gathered for three days to give thanks to God for a successful harvest, a tradition rooted in the Pilgrims’ belief that days of fasting and thanksgiving were sacred times to acknowledge His providence. Edward Winslow’s famous letter preserves the details of this celebration, describing feasting, friendship, and gratitud...

Charles Schulz was born on November 26, 1922, and grew from an ordinary Midwestern boy who loved drawing into the world-famous creator of Peanuts, producing nearly 18,000 comic strips that eventually appeared in thousands of newspapers and were read by millions worldwide. His characters—shaped by real people and personal experiences, from a friend named Charlie Brown to a beloved dog named Spike—i...

On November 25, 1792, Benjamin Banneker—a self-taught surveyor, mathematician, farmer, and astronomer—published his first almanac, demonstrating remarkable scientific skill at a time when few African Americans were recognized for such achievements. He went on to publish six almanacs filled with farming guides, medical notes, tides, astronomy, and eclipse predictions, including his accurate calcula...

On November 24, 1602, Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno named Santa Catalina Island after landing there on the eve of St. Catherine’s Day, though the island had been inhabited by skilled seafaring Native peoples for thousands of years. Over time it became a stop for traders, smugglers, hunters, and later part of the United States, eventually developing into a popular resort destination under the...

Today is National Cashew Day, celebrating a unique seed that grows beneath the colorful cashew apple on trees native to Brazil and now cultivated across tropical climates. First exported by the Portuguese in the 1500s, cashews became popular worldwide once people learned to safely roast away the shell’s natural irritants—a discovery inspired in part by watching how local monkeys opened them. Over...

Heber J. Grant—the first prophet born in Utah and the seventh President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was born on November 22, 1856. In this episode, discover how his childhood of poverty, his mother’s steadfast faith, and his personal determination to develop talents—from baseball to penmanship—shaped a leader who later guided the Church through financial crisis, worldwide mi...

The Nauvoo Temple baptismal font—the first place in this dispensation where proxy baptisms for the dead were performed—was dedicated on November 8, 1841. In this episode, discover how Joseph Smith’s teachings on priesthood authority, the need to perform ordinances in the Lord’s house, and the importance of precise record-keeping led the Saints to build a temporary wooden font supported by twelve c...

On November 20, 1942, the Alaska-Canada Highway opened after just nine months of intense construction. In this episode, discover how thousands of engineers, soldiers, and civilians worked together through extreme weather and rugged wilderness to create a 1,500-mile lifeline connecting the United States and Alaska during World War II. Their unity and sacrifice turned a wartime necessity into a last...

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, just months after one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles. Speaking only 271 words after a two-hour oration by Edward Everett, Lincoln honored the tens of thousands who had fallen and called the nation to continue the “great task” of preserving a government “of th...

On November 18, 1883, America’s railroads adopted four standard time zones—Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific—ending the confusion caused by each town keeping its own solar time and paving the way for the international system created a year later. From ancient sundials to global travel, people have always looked to the heavens to understand time, and the invention of railroads made exact timi...

On November 17, 1869, the Suez Canal opened in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and creating the shortest sea route between Europe and Asia. Built over ten years by 1.5 million workers, the canal transformed world trade and connected nations through commerce and cooperation. Though early challenges and rivalries surrounded its construction, the canal became a symbol of human ing...

On November 16, we celebrate National Fast Food Day—a reminder of how food connects families and communities. From ancient Roman street vendors to today’s favorite drive-thrus, people have always gathered around quick and convenient meals. Modern fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A have become household names, offering both indulgent treats and healthier options. But beyond conve...

On November 15, 1775, Mercy Otis Warren—a pioneering writer and patriot—used her voice to support liberty during the American Revolution. Born near Plymouth Rock and educated beyond the expectations of women in her day, she wrote plays, poems, and pamphlets defending freedom and the “natural equality of man.” Her powerful words influenced public thought and helped shape the values that led to the...

On November 14, 1907, Howard W. Hunter—the 14th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was born in Boise, Idaho. As prophet, he invited all to follow the example of Jesus Christ and make the temple the center of their faith. From his youth, he showed compassion and integrity, later leading in service and sacrifice through projects such as the Los Angeles Temple and the BYU Je...

On November 13, 1838, Joseph F. Smith—the sixth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was born in Far West, Missouri. From a childhood of loss and hardship, including the martyrdom of his father, Hyrum Smith, Joseph developed deep faith and resilience that guided him throughout his life. His devotion to family and the gospel shaped his teachings as a prophet, emphasizing the...

On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island closed its doors after welcoming more than 12 million immigrants to America over 62 years. For many fleeing poverty and persecution in Europe, Ellis Island was a gateway to new hope and opportunity. Families endured long, difficult journeys to reach this “Island of Hope,” where their American dreams began. Today, about 40 percent of Americans can trace their ance...

On November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day—a time to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, both past and present. Originally known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I in 1918, it became Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize the service and sacrifice of every American veteran. From the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to ceremonies across the nation, we remember those who h...

On November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps was born when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. From their first enlistment at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia to becoming one of the world’s most respected fighting forces, Marines have lived by their motto, Semper Fidelis —“always faithful.” Major General John A. Lejeune’s 1921 birthday message set November 10 as...

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. Amid a nation divided by slavery and the secession of seven southern states, Lincoln called for unity and peace in his inaugural address, appealing to the “better angels of our nature.” Though he wished to avoid conflict, he stood firm in his resolve to preserve the Union. Remembered for his courage, compassi...

On the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, Americans celebrate Election Day—a tradition established by Congress in 1845 to make voting more accessible for farmers after harvest season. What began as a community event has become a vital symbol of freedom and responsibility. Over time, amendments to the U.S. Constitution have expanded voting rights to include all citizens regardless of...

On November 3, we celebrate National Sandwich Day! In this episode, discover how the simple idea of placing meat between two slices of bread—made famous by John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich—sparked a global food tradition that continues to bring people together. From ancient customs to modern favorites like grilled cheese, PB&J, and the Reuben, sandwiches have become a symbol of creati...

On November 1, John Taylor—the third President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was born. In this episode, discover how his early life in England, his conversion to the restored Church, and his unwavering faith during times of persecution—including his defense of the Prophet Joseph Smith at Carthage Jail—prepared him for his prophetic role. President Taylor taught principles of s...