This Day in His-Story

In this episode, discover how Grant led Union forces to victory and helped reunite the nation with humility and resolve. After early struggles in business and military life, he returned to service and secured key victories at Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga. He ultimately accepted the surrender of Robert E. Lee on generous terms, promoting healing over punishment. As president, he worked to pro...

The development of the Polio vaccine rollout—led by Jonas Salk—marked a turning point in the fight against a once-devastating disease. In this episode, explore how widespread vaccination trials dramatically reduced polio cases and eventually eliminated the disease in the United States. This breakthrough emphasizes the power of science, cooperation, and the importance of caring for health and well-...

The Hubble Space Telescope—launched in 1990 aboard the space shuttle Discovery—revolutionized our understanding of the universe. In this episode, learn how early technical challenges were overcome through daring repair missions, allowing Hubble to capture breathtaking images of distant galaxies and cosmic phenomena. Its story highlights human ingenuity, persistence, and the wonder of exploring cre...

The Library of Congress—established in 1800 under John Adams—has grown into the largest library in the world and a guardian of knowledge and history. In this episode, discover how its collections expanded through efforts like Thomas Jefferson’s donated library and evolving copyright laws. This institution reflects the importance of preserving knowledge, learning from the past, and building a found...

William Shakespeare—widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in history—was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. In this episode, explore how his early life, lack of formal university education, and work in the London theatre led to the creation of timeless plays like Hamlet , Macbeth , and Romeo and Juliet . Shakespeare’s legacy demonstrates the power of creativity, language,...

National Jelly Bean Day celebrates the colorful candy with a surprising history rooted in treats like Turkish Delight and Jordan almonds. In this episode, learn how candy maker William Schrafft helped popularize jelly beans during the Civil War and how later innovations expanded their flavors and appeal. Beyond the sweetness of candy, this story reminds us of the deeper joy that comes from meaning...

Alfred Dean—an Australian fisherman who set a world record—made history on April 21, 1959, by catching a 2,664-pound great white shark using only a rod and reel. In this episode, discover how Dean and his crew battled the massive shark through the night as it fought back against their boat, ultimately securing one of the largest catches ever recorded. His achievement highlights determination, endu...

Lorenzo Snow—the fifth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—lived a life devoted to faith, service, and leadership. In this episode, learn how his early responsibilities, missionary service, and lifelong dedication prepared him to guide the Church and teach important principles like tithing and obedience. President Snow’s life exemplifies sacrifice, spiritual commitment, an...

The Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. In this episode, follow the rising tensions between colonists and British forces, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the moment the “shot heard round the world” ignited a fight for independence. This story highlights the values of courage, readiness, and the defense of freedom. Read the full...

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake devastated the city on April 18, 1906, with powerful tremors and massive fires destroying thousands of buildings and leaving many homeless. In this episode, discover how scientific advancements followed the disaster and how the people of San Francisco demonstrated resilience by rebuilding their city. This event teaches lessons about preparation, perseverance, and...

Ellis Island Family History Day celebrates the millions of immigrants who entered the United States through Ellis Island, including notable figures like Bob Hope and Irving Berlin. In this episode, learn how a single day in 1907 saw a record number of immigrants arrive, and how their journeys shaped the nation. This story emphasizes the value of family heritage, sacrifice, and the importance of re...

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution—which ended slavery in the United States—was achieved through years of effort and leadership, including that of Abraham Lincoln. In this episode, explore how the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the eventual ratification of the amendment in 1865 brought freedom to millions. This pivotal moment in history highlights the importa...

RMS Titanic sinking—the tragic loss of the “unsinkable” ship—occurred on April 15, 1912, when the vessel struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic. In this episode, discover how overconfidence, missed warnings, and limited lifeboat use led to the loss of more than 1,500 lives, while acts of courage—like those of Margaret Brown—revealed the strength of human character in crisis. The story of...

Noah Webster was an educator and writer who helped shape American English. In 1828, he published An American Dictionary of the English Language , which included 70,000 words and introduced American spellings like “color” and “center.” Webster spent years working on his dictionary, even going into debt to complete it. Known as the “Schoolmaster of the Republic,” he believed education and the Bible...

Thomas Jefferson, born in 1743, was a Founding Father, the third U.S. president, and the main author of the Declaration of Independence. He valued education, freedom, and religion, and founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson also completed the Louisiana Purchase and sent the Lewis and Clark expedition west. Though he faced personal loss and political conflict, he remained dedicated to democr...

Licorice has been used for over 3,000 years as both medicine and candy. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans used licorice root to treat illnesses and make sweet drinks, and it was even found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Over time, it became a popular candy in Europe, with black licorice developing first and red licorice later created in the United States. Today, licorice comes in ma...

Apollo 13, launched in 1970, was meant to land on the moon but became a life-threatening crisis when an oxygen tank exploded. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise worked with NASA to survive. Using the lunar module as a lifeboat and careful problem-solving, they safely returned to Earth. Though the mission failed in its goal, it became a “successful failure” because of teamwork, pre...

After surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865, Robert E. Lee gave a heartfelt farewell to his soldiers, praising their courage and sacrifice. He encouraged them to return home with dignity after years of war. Grant showed compassion by allowing Confederate soldiers to keep their belongings and providing food. This moment marked the end of the Civil War and showed the importance of forgiveness and...

George Albert Smith was born in 1870 in Salt Lake City and overcame poor health and weak eyesight to become a respected Church leader. He became an Apostle at 33 and later the eighth President of the Church in 1945. Known for kindness and service, he lived by the motto of helping others, especially the poor and friendless. His life experiences—hard work, missions, and faith—prepared him for leader...

This article describes the journey of the first group of Latter-day Saint pioneers, led by Brigham Young, as they traveled from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It details their daily routines, challenges, and innovations—such as building roads and inventing a wagon odometer—while crossing difficult terrain. Despite hardships, their faith, organization, and perseverance helped them...

This article explores the life of P.T. Barnum, a famous American showman and founder of what became the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Known for promoting unusual and entertaining acts, Barnum built one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 19th century. Despite setbacks like the destruction of his museum, he achieved great success and influenced modern entertainment. The article also ref...

This article tells the story of Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan, and her important role in early relations between Native Americans and English settlers in Jamestown. It highlights her friendship with Captain John Smith, her capture by the English, and her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, which brought a period of peace between the two groups. After converting to Christianity and travel...

This article centers on the meaning of Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection and the promise of new life. It connects the religious significance of Easter with symbols of spring and rebirth, while also offering a family-friendly activity using numbered eggs to retell the Easter story. The message emphasizes remembering the Savior’s sacrifice, strengthening faith, and finding meani...

This article walks through the key events leading up to the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection. It describes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His teachings, the Last Supper, and His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. It also covers His betrayal, trial, Crucifixion, and eventual Resurrection. The focus is on the significance of these events and how they demonstrate Christ’s love and sacr...

This article explains the history and purpose of General Conference, a worldwide gathering of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held twice a year. It highlights how the conference began in 1830 with a small group of believers and has grown into a global broadcast in dozens of languages. It also emphasizes the importance of preparing spiritually to receive guidance from pro...