Discover what happened on September 12 in history as pioneering journeys broke barriers, television favorites made their debuts, and remarkable achievements in aviation and space exploration helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 12 in History?
On this day, an early airplane soared over Grand Rapids, The Monkees premiered on television, Mae Jemison became the first Black woman in space, and NASA confirmed Voyager 1 had reached interstellar space.
SEPTEMBER 12 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1911 – Aviator J. Clifford Turpin of the Wright Brothers’ exhibition team made one of the earliest airplane flights over Grand Rapids, MI, flying a Wright Model B during the West Michigan State Fair.
1916 – Sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren completed a pioneering transcontinental motorcycle journey after riding from New York to California. Their trip helped demonstrate that women could serve as military dispatch riders and highlighted the campaign for women’s equality.
1922 – The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church voted to remove the bride’s promise to “obey” her husband from the church’s marriage ceremony.
1940 – Four teenagers discovered the prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux in southwestern France. The spectacular Paleolithic artwork is believed to be roughly 17,000 years old.
1953 – Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, RI.
1954 – Lassie premiered on CBS television. The beloved series would remain on television for 17 seasons. The final episode aired September 12, 1971 — exactly 17 years after the premiere.
1959 – Bonanza premiered on NBC. Filmed and broadcast in color from the beginning, the Western became one of television’s longest-running and most popular series.
1963 – The final original episode of Leave It to Beaver aired after six seasons.
1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation establishing Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
1966 – The TV show Family Affair premiered on CBS.
1966 – The Monkees premiered on NBC, introducing television audiences to Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork.
1970 – The cartoon Josie and the Pussycats debuted on CBS.
1972 – Maude, starring Bea Arthur, premiered on CBS as a spin-off of All in the Family.
1981 – The Smurfs made their American television debut as an animated Saturday morning series on NBC.
1983 – Austrian-born actor and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger became a United States citizen, 15 years after moving to the country.
1992 – Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on STS-47, NASA’s 50th Space Shuttle mission. Mae Jemison became the first Black woman in space, Mark Lee and Jan Davis became the first married couple to fly together in space, and Mamoru Mohri became the first Japanese astronaut to fly aboard a Space Shuttle.
1994 – Frank Eugene Corder crashed a stolen single-engine Cessna onto the White House grounds. Corder, the only person aboard, was killed.
2011 – The National September 11 Memorial opened to the public at the World Trade Center site in New York City, one day after ceremonies marking the tenth anniversary of the attacks.
2013 – NASA announced that Voyager 1 had become the first human-made object to enter interstellar space. Scientists determined that the spacecraft had actually crossed the boundary in August 2012.
2017 – Little Caesars Arena celebrated its official grand opening in Detroit, MI, with the first of six Kid Rock concerts. The new arena became home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 12:
Nellie Wong – 92 years old (1934) – Chinese American poet and activist
Henry Waxman – 87 years old (1939) – Lawyer and politician
Linda Gray – 86 years old (1940) – Model and actress
Maria Muldaur – 84 years old (1942) – Folk and blues singer
John Mauceri – 81 years old (1945) – Conductor and producer
Steve Turre – 78 years old (1948) – Trombonist and educator
Bruce Mahler – 76 years old (1950) – Actor and screenwriter
Joe Pantoliano – 75 years old (1951) – Actor and producer
Gerry Beckley – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Nan Goldin – 73 years old (1953) – Photographer
Robert Gober – 72 years old (1954) – Sculptor
Scott Hamilton – 72 years old (1954) – Saxophonist
Wilfred Benítez – 68 years old (1958) – Boxer
Gregg Edelman – 68 years old (1958) – Actor and singer
Scott Brown – 67 years old (1959) – Colonel and politician
Deron Cherry – 67 years old (1959) – Football player and sportscaster
Evan Jenkins – 66 years old (1960) – Academic and politician
Amy Yasbeck – 64 years old (1962) – Actress
Greg Gutfeld – 62 years old (1964) – Television journalist and author
Vernon Maxwell – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player
Darren E. Burrows – 60 years old (1966) – Actor
Ben Folds – 60 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Louis C.K. – 59 years old (1967) – Comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter
Pat Listach – 59 years old (1967) – Baseball player, coach, and manager
Larry LaLonde – 58 years old (1968) – Guitarist and songwriter
Paul F. Tompkins – 58 years old (1968) – Comedian, actor, and writer
Max Boot – 57 years old (1969) – Russian-American historian and author
James Frey – 57 years old (1969) – Author and screenwriter
Will Chase – 56 years old (1970) – Actor, director, and singer
Nathan Larson – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Gideon Emery – 54 years old (1972) – English-American actor, producer, and screenwriter
Jennifer Nettles – 52 years old (1974) – Singer-songwriter
Lauren Stamile – 50 years old (1976) – Actress
Jeff Irwin – 49 years old (1977) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Benjamin McKenzie – 48 years old (1978) – Actor
Ruben Studdard – 48 years old (1978) – R&B, pop, and gospel singer
Jennifer Hudson – 45 years old (1981) – Singer and actress
Staciana Stitts – 45 years old (1981) – Swimmer
Sal Rinauro – 44 years old (1982) – Wrestler
Daniel Muir – 43 years old (1983) – Football player
Clayton Richard – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player
Emmy Rossum – 40 years old (1986) – Singer and actress
Freddie Freeman – 37 years old (1989) – American-Canadian baseball player
Andrew Luck – 37 years old (1989) – Football player
Kelsea Ballerini – 33 years old (1993) – Country pop singer
Druski – 32 years old (1994) – Comedian and actor
Colin Ford – 30 years old (1996) – Actor
Sydney Sweeney – 29 years old (1997) – Actress
Jerome Ford – 27 years old (1999) – Football player
Ziaire Williams – 25 years old (2001) – Basketball player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 12:
- World Dolphin Day: Promoting dolphin welfare, fostering understanding, and championing their cause for a thriving marine environment and coexistence.
- National Video Games Day: Get together with your friends, or login with distant friends to connect and enjoy one of modern society’s most diverting and fun pastimes.
- National Chocolate Milkshake Day: Go out for a chocolate milkshake, or make one of these delicious creamy treats yourself. Lactose intolerant? Try a substitute milkshake with soy, oat, or nut milk.
- German Language Day: Experience the language and beautiful culture of Germany. From "Guten Tag" to "Auf Wiedersehen", German is a language worth exploring.
- National Police Woman Day: Show honor and respect to the women who choose to serve and protect their communities on National Police Woman Day! History of National Police Woman Day In the 1850s, the city of New York employed police matrons to guard and search prisoners who were females, but that was the extent...
- International Drive Your Studebaker Day: If you’re one of the lucky people who own a classic luxury Studebaker, take it out on the road and show it off on International Drive Your Studebaker Day.
- National Day of Encouragement: Keep up the good work! Stay positive! You can do it! National Day of Encouragement offers the ideal opportunity to be an encouragement to someone and make the world a slightly brighter place. History of National Day of Encouragement Humans have a tendency to get discouraged when things get tough...
- Semana de la Chilenidad: Semana de la Chilenidad is a vibrant celebration of Chile's rich culture and traditions. This special week highlights the nation's love for its roots, bringing together people from all walks of life. Everywhere you look, you’ll find joyful expressions of national pride. The streets are filled with music, traditional dances...
- United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation: United Nations Day for South‑South Cooperation celebrates how countries with shared struggles support each other in smart, hands-on ways. These partnerships involve more than talk—they deliver real results. From farming tools to healthcare ideas, nations swap what works. This day gives space to stories of progress built together, not handed down...
- World First Aid Day: World First Aid Day marks a global moment to highlight first aid skills. It shows how simple acts—like applying pressure to a wound or spotting trouble—can save lives. The message reaches streets, parks, and schools with upbeat energy. Communities learn to act fast. Every step feels hopeful and practical. More...
- Mindfulness Day: Have you felt how some days feel hectic from the moment you wake up? Noise builds, thoughts rush, and everything blurs together. Mindfulness Day steps in like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder to slow down and notice what’s right in front of you. Taking time to be...
- Farmers’ Consumer Awareness Day: Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day is a special event that bridges the gap between those who grow our food and those who consume it. It offers a chance for the public to gain a deeper understanding of the hard work, dedication, and expertise that goes into producing the food we enjoy. Through...
- Gym Day: Unleash your inner superhero and conquer new fitness challenges! Pump up the energy, make gains, and unlock your full potential!
- National Just One Human Family Day: Some days speak louder than others—and this one speaks of unity. National Just One Human Family Day invites people to pause and look at each other with open hearts. It’s not about grand gestures or big speeches. It’s about the simple idea that every person belongs. Skin color, language, religion—none...
- National Hug & High 5 Day: National Hug & High 5 Day invites everyone to share hugs and high fives, spreading warmth and positivity. This special day encourages connecting with friends, neighbors, or even strangers through simple gestures. A heartfelt hug or an enthusiastic high five can brighten someone's day instantly. These small acts remind us...
- National Report Medicare Fraud Day: Spotting something off on a medical bill might seem small, but it can mean catching a much bigger problem. National Report Medicare Fraud Day puts the focus on stopping scams that cost the country billions. It encourages everyday people—not just experts—to speak up when something doesn’t look right. Crooks use clever...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- National Neonatal Nurses Week : Providing compassionate care to newborns and support for families, these healthcare heroes play a crucial role in healthcare.
- National Child Protection Week: National Child Protection Week is a fantastic opportunity to come together and focus on keeping our kids safe. It's all about raising awareness, having fun, and learning important safety tips. This week serves as a powerful reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting children. The theme underscores the importance...
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
- National Waffle Week: National Waffle Week is a delightful celebration of one of the most beloved breakfast foods. It shines a spotlight on waffles and encourages people to enjoy this crispy, golden treat in all its forms. Throughout this week, waffle lovers are invited to explore different recipes and toppings, transforming their morning...
- Rosh Hashanah: Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year. It brings together moments of joy and reflection. Families gather, sharing meals filled with symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey, wishing for sweetness ahead. The shofar, a ram's horn, sounds during services, stirring hearts and minds. This blast calls for inner reflection...
- European Heritage Days: European Heritage Days open doors across Europe, inviting people to explore places often hidden from view. From grand palaces to quiet chapels, these events reveal stories etched into stone and wood. Each year, around 70,000 events unfold across 48 countries, offering free access to cultural sites and experiences. It's a...
Powered by Days Of The Year
For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.
