April 26

Scott Winters April 26, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1514 – Copernicus made his first observations of Saturn.

1607 – The British established an American colony at Cape Henry, VA. It was the first permanent English establishment in the Western Hemisphere.

1865 – Union cavalry troopers cornered and shot dead John Wilkes Booth, assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, near Bowling Green, VA.

1906 – In Hawaii, motion pictures were shown for the first time.

1921 – Weather broadcasts were heard for the first time on radio in St. Louis, MO.

1931 – New York Yankee Lou Gehrig hit a home run but was called out for passing a runner.

1941 – The Chicago Cubs became the first baseball team to install an organ in their ballpark.

1962 – NASA’s Ranger 4 spacecraft crashed into the Moon.

1963 – The state of Michigan started to require seatbelts in all new vehicles.

1964 – The Boston Celtics won their sixth consecutive NBA title. They won two more before the streak came to an end.

1968 – Students seized the administration building at Ohio State University.

1975 – B.J. Thomas had the longest title of a number one song at the top of the “Billboard” popular music chart. The song was “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.”

1977 – Studio 54 opened in New York, NY.

1981 – Dr. Michael R. Harrison of the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center performed the world’s first human open fetal surgery.

1983 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average broke 1,200 for first time.

1991 – The TV show “Dinosaurs”, featuring a family of dinosaurs named Sinclair, debuted on ABC. It would run until its final episode on October 19, 1994.

1993 – It was announced that Conan O’Brien would succeed David Letterman as host of NBC’s “Late Night” show.

1986 – The world’s worst nuclear disaster to date occurred at the Chernobyl in the Soviet Union. Thirty-one people died in the incident and thousands more were exposed to radioactive material.

2000 – Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar purchased the NHL’s New York Islanders.

2002 – The Senate and House agreed on the Farm Bill. The measure, the cost of which topped $100 billion, increased subsidies to farmers and fund conservation programs.

2011 – The very first episode of TV’s “The Voice” aired on NBC.

2018 – Comedian/actor Bill Cosby was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. The guilty verdict came on the second day of jury deliberations in a Montgomery County, PA Courthouse. Each charge carried a potential sentence of ten years in prison.

2019 – Marvel Studios’ blockbuster film, “Avengers: Endgame”, was released. The film had a budget of $356 million, making it one of the most expensive movies ever made. It went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing the previous box office record of “Avatar”.

BIRTHDAYS:

Bambi Linn – 99 years old (1926) – Dancer (“Oklahoma!”)

Carol Burnett – 92 years old (1933) – Actress, comedian (“Pete ‘n Tillie”, TV’s “The Carol Burnett Show”)

Giorgio Moroder – 85 years old (1940) – Record producer, songwriter, performer (credited with pioneering Italo disco and electronic dance music)

Claudine Clark – 84 years old (1941) – Singer (“Party Lights”)

Donna de Varona – 78 years old (1947) – Olympic medal swimmer

Boyd Matson – 78 years old (1947) – Television anchor (TV’s “National Geographic Explorer”, NBC’s “Weekend Today”)

Giancarlo Esposito – 67 years old (1958) – Actor, director (TV, “Revolution”, “Breaking Bad”, “South Beach”, “Homicide: Life on the Street”, movies “Bob Roberts”, “Do the Right Thing”, “School Daze”)

Roger Taylor – 65 years old (1960) – Drummer (Duran Duran)

Joan Chen – 64 years old (1961) – Actress (“The Last Emperor”, “Wild Side”, TV’s “Twin Peaks”)

Michael Damian – 63 years old (1962) – Actor, singer, producer (TV’s “The Young and the Restless”)

Debra Wilson – 63 years old (1962) – Comedienne (TV’s “MadTV”, “Uptown Comedy Jam”, “Scary Movie 4”, TV’s “The Proud Family”)

Jet Li – 62 years old (1963) – Actor (“Lethal Weapon 4,” “War”, “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”, “Cradle 2 the Grave”, “Hero”, “Kiss of the Dragon”, “Romeo Must Die”)

Kevin James – 60 years old (1965) – Actor (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”, “The Dilemma”, “Grown Ups”, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”, “Here Comes the Boom”, “Hitch”, TV’s “The King of Queens”)

Marianne Jean-Baptiste – 58 years old (1967) – Actress (“Without a Trace”, “Secrets & Lies”)

Shane Evans – 55 years old (1970) – Drummer (Collective Soul)

T-Boz – 55 years old (1970) – Singer, songwriter (TLC)

Stana Katic – 47 years old (1978) – Actress (TV’s “Castle”, “Absentia”)

Jordana Brewster – 45 years old (1980) – Actress (“The Fast and the Furious,” TV’s “As the World Turns”)

Marnette Patterson – 45 years old (1980) – Actress (TV’s “Something So Right”)

Channing Tatum – 45 years old (1980) – Actor (“Dear John”, “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”, “Public Enemies”, “Magic Mike”, “White House Down”, “The Vow”, “Step Up”, “Step Up 2: The Streets”, “She’s the Man”)

Jessica Lynch – 42 years old (1983) – U.S. Army soldier (First successfully rescued POW since the Vietnam War and the first ever of a woman)

TODAY IS:

Independent Bookstore Day: Independent bookstores are struggling more and more with competition like Amazon or big chains like Barnes & Noble, so make a point to support your local shop.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: One of the most devastating disasters in human history, International Chernobyl Remembrance Day recalls the suffering and pain still happening from the fallout.
National Pretzel Day: Warm, soft, and oh-so-tasty, take this excuse to visit a pretzel stand or shop and try a classic pretzel, or a new flavor like cinnamon or honey-mustard.
Alien Day: Host a movie marathon, read a graphic novel, or break out the Alien video games to honor Ridley Scott’s iconic and beloved science fiction franchise.
World Veterinary Day: Give a big thanks to the medical professionals who keep our dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, rodents and all other manner of creatures healthy and happy.
Get Organized Day: Tackle that desk drawer or spice rack, decide where to put that decorative pillow, or finally get around to cleaning up your computer files on Get Organized Day.
International Marconi Day: This 24-hour amateur radio event honors the legacy of Italian radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, for whom its named. Join the network to get involved!
National Help A Horse Day: On of mankind’s closest companions, horses require lots of gentle, loving care to thrive, which is why horse lovers take part in National Help a Horse Day.
World Burlesque Day: With extravagance, glamor, and irreverence, Burlesque allows people of all kinds, from all walks of life, to get onstage and let their personalities shine.
National Kids and Pets Day: Fostering bonds between young ones and animal companions, nurturing a connection that blossoms with love, trust, and joy.
Eeyore’s Birthday: Eeyore's Birthday is a unique celebration that brings together thousands of people in Austin, Texas. This annual event happens on the last Saturday of April, which is April 27th, 2024. It's not just a party; it's a way to support the Austin community through donations to non-profits in Central Texas. How...
Healthy Kids Day: The ultimate happiness of all parents is seeing their children thrive and grow in a healthy environment. Healthy Kids Day is an exciting event that brings families together to focus on children's health and well-being. Hosted by YMCAs nationwide, it features a variety of activities designed to promote physical activity...
National Go Birding Day: Grab some binoculars and visit a local wildlife reserve, or try hanging up a bird feeder to entice them into your own backyard on National Go Birding Day.
Hug an Australian Day: Spread a little love around the world by participating in Hug an Australian Day. Show some appreciation to an Aussie in your life, or plan a trip!
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Ensuring safety by responsibly disposing of expired prescription drugs for a healthier and secure community environment.
Celebrate Trails Day: Trails bring transformative benefits to communities and individuals in the form of physical health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Celebrate Trails Day is an initiative that invites everyone across the nation to enjoy existing trails while making an investment in the future of more trails! How to Observe and Celebrate Trails...
National Sense Of Smell Day: Take some time to stop and smell the roses—literally. National Sense of Smell Day is for appreciating the many scents our noses can pick up and enjoy.
Audubon Day: Audubon Day, celebrated each year on April 26th, honors John James Audubon, an influential American ornithologist and painter. This day is marked by a focus on the beauty and preservation of birds and their habitats. Audubon, known for his detailed illustrations of North American birds, left a legacy of appreciating...
National Richter Scale Day: Learn about the history of Earthquakes, and how the Richter Scale measures them, or host an earthquake-themed movie party with friends or family.
National South Dakota Day: National South Dakota Day the 40th state to join the Union. It's a time to appreciate the state's stunning nature, from lush forests to vast valleys. The goal is to bring more visitors to this often-overlooked but beautiful state. How to Celebrate National South Dakota Day Dine Dakota Style Grab a fork and...
National Rebuilding Day: When community leaders, community residents, and local affiliates put their heads and hands together to help a neighbor, the results can be life-changing! National Rebuilding Day offers an annual opportunity to create and execute specific plans that address the specific needs of each community it serves. How to Celebrate National Rebuilding...
Remember Your First Kiss Day: Do you remember your first kiss? That moment when anticipation turned into reality? It's often a mix of nerves and excitement, a pivotal point where feelings and emotions collide. For many, it's a memory filled with joy, awkwardness, or even humor—a foundational experience in the realm of relationships and intimacy...
National First Ladies Day: Explore the rich stories and contributions of remarkable women who have graced the role of the nation's presidential partner.
World Healing Day: Explore the essence of well-being, nurturing vitality, resilience, and fulfillment for a harmonious and vibrant life journey.
National Pool Opening Day: National Pool Opening Day is a much-anticipated event, signaling the start of pool season. It's a special day for pool owners to prepare their pools for a summer of fun. Families and friends gather to enjoy the sun and create lasting memories. This day is about more than just uncovering...
World Intellectual Property Day: Unlocking innovation's treasures, this legal shield safeguards creativity's fruits, sparking progress, rewarding inventors, and fueling a world of boundless ideas.
National No Makeup Day: National No Makeup Day invites everyone to show off their natural beauty! People -- particularly women -- all around the world participate, embracing how they look without makeup. It encourages self-love and confidence in your skin! How to Celebrate National No Makeup Day Snap a Bare-Faced Selfie Kick off the day by capturing...
International Sculpture Day: Art has an incredible power to bring people together, spanning geography, cultures, languages and more. International Sculpture Day encourages participation by sculptors, artists, teachers, students and everyone throughout the world to experience the beauty and power of this form of art. How to Celebrate International Sculpture Day Looking for a few...
Dissertation Day: The cost of delaying graduation for two, three, or even one year is very high and can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Doctoral students need to get motivated to get their work done and turned in, not only because they don’t need to pay more tuition, but also...
National Kiss of Hope Day: With food insecurity, a rising cost of living, and a growing sense of need in communities all over the nation, National Kiss of Hope Day seeks to encourage individuals, families, and groups to take a little bit of time and make a bit of effort to help those who are...
King’s Day (Koningsdag): King's Day, known in Dutch as Koningsdag, is a lively and colorful national celebration in the Netherlands. Streets and canals burst into a sea of orange as people join in the festivities. The day buzzes with music, street markets, and cheerful crowds. It's a time when everyone, young and old, comes...
Lesbian Visibility Week: To build awareness, create safe and healthy work environments, ‘normalize’ relationships, and allow lesbian voices to be heard, Lesbian Visibility Week provides various opportunities to build a society of inclusion. This event works to promote LGBTQIA women along with non-binary people in every field, from every generation, to every country...
Animal Cruelty / Human Violence Awareness Week: Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week is observed annually to shed light on the undeniable connection between abusing animals and harming humans. This observance week creates awareness of the need to understand the intersectional nature of these issues and for societal change to end the cruelty. It also promotes education about...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
American Camp Week: American Camp Week, celebrated annually from April 24 to April 30, sparks excitement among camp enthusiasts across the United States. This week highlights the joys and benefits of camping, a beloved outdoor activity that has long been a part of American culture. It's a time when both kids and adults...
National Princess Week: When you think of a princess, images of elegance, courage, and kindness come to mind. National Princess Week celebrates these traits, inviting everyone to embrace their inner royalty. This special week, started by Julie Andrews, Disney, and Target, is a chance to enjoy the magic and charm associated with princesses...
Gathering of Nations (Pow Wow): The Gathering of Nations (Pow Wow) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an event like no other. Thousands of dancers, drummers, musicians, and artisans from over 500 tribes across the U.S. and Canada come together to celebrate their heritage. The event features stunning dance and music performances, with participants proudly displaying...
National Pediatric Transplant Week: Each year, thousands of children across the world benefit from the life-saving medical intervention that comes through organ donation. But the list of those in need of organ donors is long and these younger patients often have to wait for a great deal of time for matches because of complex...
Administrative Professionals Week: In offices around the globe, desks become stages of gratitude during Administrative Professionals Week. Teams come together, celebrating those who keep the gears turning. Imagine the scene: colorful bouquets and heartfelt notes replace reports and spreadsheets. Managers pause meetings to say "thank you," acknowledging the often unseen dedication of their...
National Volunteer Week : Contributing time and effort, volunteering fosters positive change, enriching lives, and creating a ripple of goodwill in communities.
National Sky Awareness Week: Humans go through life each day looking at the buildings, cars, computer screens, and other people around them, but it seems like a rare event that they will spend time being aware of the sky. National Sky Awareness Week seeks to remind people of all ages that there is something interesting...
National Park Week: Say hello to beautiful plants, native wildlife, natural landscapes, and unique terrains because it’s time to celebrate and enjoy National Park Week! History of National Park Week The first National Park Week was celebrated in 1991 when it was declared by US President George H.W. Bush to honor the 75th anniversary...
Coin Week: Begin or grow your coin collection, learn about how countries’ mints reflect their history, or join a coin club or even local competition during Coin Week.