Stories of the Month

September 2024

SR-71 Blackbird Sets Flying Record 1974

September 1,1974, a plane flew from New York City to London FAST! Its record still stands under 2 hours! What was this plane? How could it fly so fast?

Titanic Discovered on the North Atlantic Floor 1985

Dr. Robert Ballard and his joint French/American team found Titanic at a depth of more than 12,000 feet on September 1, 1985. The first pictures, taken by Research Vessel Knorr, revealed one of the ship's boilers.

Krakatoa and the World's Loudest Sound 1883

In early September, 1883, thousands of traumatized people were desperate for help after Krakatau violently erupted in August. After 1883, the world had a new science - volcanology.

Great Kanto Earthquake 1923

While many people were home for lunch, in Tokyo and nearby Yokohama, a totally unexpected earthquake struck Japan on September 1, 1923. Learn more about this disaster here!

Hitler Invades Poland 1939

World War II began when Hitler invaded Poland on the 1st of September, 1939. These newsreels feature historical footage recorded by both sides of the conflict.

Who was Benedict Arnold?1780

At the beginning of September, 1780, Benedict Arnold was a Major General in the Continental Army. By the end of the month he was a traitor, what happened?

Japanese-American Internment - WWII 1942

In early 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. On September 1, 1942, a California federal judge held that the relocation process was legal.

Wearing the Yellow Star 1941

September 1, 1941, Jews living in Germany were ordered to wear a yellow star of David. These clips, from ''The Hiding Place,'' dramatize the true story of these times.

Terra Cotta Soldiers 247 BC

China, and inernational visitors, celebrate this marvel during a September festival. This story provides background on the First Emperor, the Great Wall and the terra cotta soldiers.

Battle of Stalingrad 1942

On the 2nd of September, 1942, German troops entered Stalingrad. This English-dubbed video tells the story from the Soviet perspective.

End of the War in the Pacific 1945

See a summary of the Japanese surrender in this video.

Japanese Surrender - VJ Day 1945

September 2, 1945, Japanese representatives formally surrendered to the Allies. See official pictures and examine the actual documents which ended the Second World War.

Congress Creates U.S. Department of the Treasury 1789

After Congress first created the U.S. Department of the Treasury - a permanent institution to manage the government’s finances - Alexander Hamilton became the new country’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Who was he?

Anne Frank Sent to Auschwitz 1944

Anne Frank and her family went into hiding, but they were betrayed in 1944. On the 2nd of September, 1944, Anne was sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. Learn more...

Great Fire of London 1666

London was consumed by a raging fire which began on the 2nd of September, 1666. Learn what happened from this clip and its eyewitness accounts.

Little Rock Nine and Civil Rights 1957

During September of 1957, nine African-American students wanted to enroll at Little Rock's Central High School. Disagreeing with a Supreme Court decision to integrate schools, Gov. Faubus summons the Arkansas National Guard on September 3.

Viking 2 Lands on Mars 1976

Viking 2, an unmanned spacecraft, lands on Mars to snap the first close-up pictures, in color, of the Red Planet. Today we know much more about Mars thanks to robots like Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity. Take a virtual visit to Earth’s neighbor.

Treaty of Paris Ends the American Revolution 1783

The American Revolution officially ends when Great Britain and the American Colonies sign the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. Britain recognizes America as an independent country and the newly formed nation can expand westward.

Russia and the Control of America's NW Coast 1821

In 1821, Tsar Alexander I issues an edit forbidding non-Russian ships to approach the Pacific coast of North America south of 51 degrees north. The U.S. objected to this declaration; the parties resolved the issue in 1824.

Alexander I and the Battle of Borodino 1812

On September 4, 1812, Alexander I of Russia agrees with his lead general that Russian troops should halt their retreat and engage with Napoleon's forces near the village of Borodino, 70 miles west of Moscow.

Beatrix Potter and the World of Peter Rabbit 1893

In an effort to cheer-up a young friend who was ill, Beatrix Potter wrote a picture-letter to Noel Moore on the 4th of September, 1893. Thus began the ''Tale of Peter Rabbit.''

A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens 1775

Charles Dickens compared life in Britain & France during the time of the French Revolution.We have created a new way for you to delve into this still-loved story.

Robespierre and a Plan Gone Wrong 1793

After the French Revolution began, Robespierre began a ''Reign of Terror'' on the 5th of September, 1793. Who was he - and - why did this happen?

The Story of Jesse James 1847

Born on the 5th of September, 1847, Jesse and his brother became outlaws after the American Civil War. This story provides a brief biography of his life and times.

Victoria - First Ship to Circumnavigate the World 1522

The 'Victoria' returned to Spain on the 6th of September, 1522. Part of Magellan's expedition, to find the Spice Islands, 'Victoria' was the first ship to circumnavigate the world.

V-2 Rockets in Action 1944

For early September 1944, the mighty V-2 rocket was an amazing achievement. This clip explains how the unmanned weapon worked.

Diana, Princess of Wales - Funeral 1997

A week after her shocking death, as the result of a car accident, Princess Diana was laid to rest. Her funeral was on the 6th of September, 1997.

McKinley Assassination 1901

President McKinley was shot on September 6, 1901. Thomas Edison's film company recorded events as the President's body was taken from Washington, D.C. to his hometown in Ohio

Murder at the Fair - Death of President McKinley 1901

The day on which McKinley was shot - September 6th - has been called one of ''10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America'' because it led to the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.

The London Blitz 1940

At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon - on September 7, 1940 - Londoners were stunned when 965 German planes approached Britain's capital city. These clips tell the story.

Sinn Fein Formally Renounces Violence 1997

After years supporting the Irish Republican Army (IRA), including acts of violence, Sinn Fein (the political arm of the IRA) formally renounces violence as a political tool, allowing it to take a seat at the table to discuss Northern Ireland's future

Battle of Borodino - Napoleonic War 1812

The Battle of Borodino, between Napoleon's Grand Army and Russian forces about 70 miles from Moscow, was one of the deadliest of the Napoleonic Wars. Leo Tolstoy places Pierre Bezukhov at the worst of the fighting in ''War and Peace.''

Michelangelo - 'David' - Unveiled in Florence 1504

In Florence, Italy - on the 8th of September, 1504 - Michelangelo unveiled one of his most famous sculptures - ''David.'' Who was this famous Renaissance artist?

Galveston - Isaac's Storm 1900

On September 8, 1900 a category-4 hurricane makes landfall in the Gulf of Mexico temporarily covering homes, businesses, churches and everything else in Galveston, Texas.

V-2 Rocket Devastates London 1944

Desperate for a way to turn around the war, Hitler thought he might get help from the V-2 rocket. On the 8th of September, 1944, the Nazis sent them to London.

Battle at Thermopylae 490 BC

Watch a video recreation of what happened to Leonidas, the Spartan king, and his men in September 490 BC.

A New Nation Is Called "The United States"

After declaring Britain's colonies in America free of British rule, a new nation was born. The Second Continental Congress named that new country the ''United States'' on September 9, 1776.

People's Democratic Republic of Korea Formed 1948

After Japan lost WWII, its control over Korea ended. The Korean Peninsula was divided into North and South at the 38th Parallel. North Korea formed its own government on September 9, 1948. When the DPRK was formed, Kim IL Sung was its leader.

Attica Prison Uprising 1971

Attica Prison was overcrowded in 1971. Conditions were deplorable and, during an uprising, Attica's prisoners took over the facility on September 9. What happened next?

Leopold and Loeb - Lives Spared 1924

Two young men shocked Americans when they killed young Bobby Franks, just to see what it would be like.On the 10th of September, 1924, the Judge ended their trail with what verdict?

Geronimo Is Sent into Exile 1886

Following his surrender on September 4, 1886, Geronimo believes he can return to his home in Arizona after two years as a prisoner of the federal government. He is sent into exile on the 10th of September, but the government never allowed his return.

World's Largest Scientific Experiment 2008

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) was powered-up on September 10.This video, which includes animations, explains how it works.

September 11th 2001

September 11, America was attacked when hijackers took control of 4 jetliners. 3 planes were intentionally flown into buildings while a 4th crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

September 11 - The First Attack 2001

During 2001, two brothers, were working on a documentary about New York City firefighters. They never expected to capture footage of a terrorist attack, but they did.

September 11 - United Flight 93 - 2001

On the morning of September 11, 2001, United Flight 93 left Newark, heading for San Francisco.This clip is the actual FAA recording as Flight 93 was fatally hijacked.

September 11 - Firefighters Risk Lives 2001

Immediately after terrorists flew planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, in New York, firefighters responded. Risking their own lives to help others, 343 firefighters died.

Steve Biko - Rare Recording 1977

Very few recordings of the real Steve Biko still exist. This is one of them. Learn more about this South African black student leader who died in police custody on this day in 1977.

Jesse Owens Born - 1913

One of the greatest athletes of all time, Jesse Owens broke record after speed record. He faced discrimination, especially in the 1936 Olympics when Hitler could not believe that an African-American won so many gold medals. This video features Jesse.

Steve Biko - Trial Scene 1977

Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid South African, testified at a 1977 trial. In his testimony, he described how the government oppressed blacks. Watch a recreation of that trial testimony.

The Great Anti-Apartheid March 1989

Desmond Tutu led a great anti-apartheid march in South Africa on the 13th of September, 1989. How did people living under that system - both blacks and whites - view it?

Hadrian's Wall - What Was Its Purpose? 2005

In 122 A.D. Rome controlled Britain, and on this date construction of Hadrian's Wall began. What was its purpose? What were milecastles?

Battle for Edson's Ridge - Guadalcanal 1942

Before the 1942 battles on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal, Japanese forces had the upper hand over Allied forces.This clip recreates events at Edson's Ridge on September 13, 1942.

Meet Theodore Roosevelt 1901

Who was Theodore Roosevelt, a man who became America's youngest president on this day in 1901? This brief biography provides an overview of the man and his passions.

Firestorm in Moscow when Napoleon Arrives 1812

When Napoleon and his Grand Army arrive at Moscow, the French ruler expects the city to surrender. He is stunned to learn that the capital is mostly abandoned. Then a massive fire erupts in Moscow, the exact cause of which is still debated.

The Star-Spangled Banner 1814

Learn how Francis Scott Key was in the right place (near Fort McHenry), at the right time (September 14, 1814), when it came to writing ''The Star-Spangled Banner.''

Charles Darwin at the Galapagos Islands 1835

Charles Darwin arrived at the Galapagos Islands on the 15th of September, 1835. Who was Darwin, as a person? What was he like as a father and a husband?

John Bull - World's Oldest Steam Locomotive 1831

John Bull arrived in America in 1831. September 15th, that year was it's first run. In 1981, on its final run, John Bull - age 150 - became the world's oldest operating steam locomotive.

Original Nuremberg Laws 1935

After the Nazis were defeated, in WWII, General George Patton obtained possession of Hitler's infamous race laws (which impacted people beginning September 15, 1935).

Cry of Dolores and Mexican Independence 1810

Mexico's independence from Spain started with the ''Cry of Dolores'' when a priest, called Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (''Father of Mexican Independence''), declared (in the town of Dolores) that Mexico should be free.

Gandhi and His Fast Until Death 1932

Protesting what he considers built-in discrimination against lower-caste Indians, in a proposed Constitution for India, Gandhi begins a ''fast until death'' in his jail cell. Six days later, a new proposal eliminates the divisive nature of the plan.

Pilgrims Cross The Sea 1620

On the 16th of September, 1620, a ship named Mayflower left the British port of Southampton. Who were the people aboard the ship? And ... why were they leaving in the first place?

America's Constitution Day 1787

After the American colonies won their independence delegates gathered in Philadelphia to discuss a new constitution. A document was signed on September 17, 1787.

Great Library at Alexandria 642

There is an ''urban legend'' that the Great Library at Alexandria was destroyed on September 17, 642. Learn more about the Library - and what's left of it - in this video clip.

Battle of Antietam 1862

At the end of the Battle, on September 17, 1862, 23,000 soldiers were dead, wounded or missing. It was the bloodiest 1-day battle not just of the war, but in all of American history.

Congress Passes Fugitive Slave Law 1850

Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850. People who helped slaves, even in the North, were subject to stiff penalties. The law threatened the safety of all black people, free and slave alike.

Booker T. Washington 1895

One of America's greatest educators, Booker T. Washington delivered a famous speech - called the ''Atlanta Compromise'' - on September 18, 1895. Listen!

Jackie Robinson - 'Rookie of the Year' 1947

Once unable to play major-league baseball, because of the color of his skin, Jackie Robinson didn't just break ''the color line.'' He was named baseball's ''Rookie of the Year'' in 1947.

Who Is Responsible for President Garfield's Death? 1881

On the 19th of September, 1881, James Garfield - America's president - died of an assassin's bullet. Who was responsible for his death?

Oetzi The Ice Man 1991

On the 19th of September, 1991, Helmut and Erica Simon were hiking on a glacier when they made a stunning discovery. They found a well-preserved, prehistoric mummy!!

Death of President Garfield 1881

After President James Garfield was shot, on the 2nd of July, 1881, doctors could not find the bullet. If modern equipment had been available then, perhaps the president could have lived.

Attila The Hun 451

Attila the Hun met his match in 451 when - for the first time - he was stopped in battle. (It might have been fought on September 20th of that year.) Who was this man?

Boss Tweed - Accused of Robbing the NY Treasury 1870

Known for political corruption and thievery, ''Boss Tweed'' also had a humanitarian side. Who was this now-infamous man?

Celebrate International Peace Day

The 21st of September is International Peace Day. Throughout the centuries, people strive to peacefully resolve conflicts. Have a look at some of the individuals who won the Peace Prize and who did their best to help others live in a peaceful world.

J.R.R. Tolkien - A Rare Video Interview 1968

JRR Tolkien published ''The Hobbit'' on September 21, 1937. In a rare 1968 interview, Tolkien acknowledges that he changed his writing style based on criticism from his children.

France Abolishes the Monarchy 1792

As the French Revolution increasingly curbed the power of King Louis XVI, there came a time when the French National Convention abolished the monarchy altogether. That vote occurred on September 21, 1792. Louis' days to live were now numbered.

Nathan Hale captured by the British

In September of 1776, General Washington needed a spy to go behind enemy lines in New York. Nathan Hale volunteered, pretend

Salem Witch Trials 1692

September 22, 1692, was a fateful day in the lives of eight people accused of being a witch in Salem Village. All eight were hanged. What led to this dark period in America's history?

Rules of Baseball 1845

On the 23rd of September, 1845, the Knickerbockers, an amateur New York City baseball club, first adopted a set of rules for the ''Recently Invented Game of Base Ball.''

George VI Has Lung Surgery 1951

King George VI had lung cancer although most people, including the King himself, didn’t know it. On the 23rd of September, 1951, surgeons removed part of his lung. Never fully recovering from the surgery, the King died on February 6, 1952.

James Meredith Allowed to Attend Ole Miss 1962

On the 24th of September, 1962, James Meredith received a favorable decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, allowing him to attend the University of Mississippi (also known as ''Ole Miss''). He was the first African-American to do so.

Benedict Arnold Escapes to British Lines 1780

After his plot to sell West Point to the British unravels, because John Andre (a British spy) was caught, Benedict Arnold flees to the British lines. He reaches a ship called ''Vulture,'' thereby avoiding capture by the Americans.

John Marshall, America's 4th Chief Justice 1755

John Marshall, America's fourth Chief Justice, remains famous today especially because of the decision he wrote in ''Marbury v Madison,'' introducing the concept of judicial review. He was born on September 24, 1755.

Little Rock Nine 1957

On the 24th of September, 1957, President Eisenhower sent in the 101st Airborne to keep order as 9 students attempted to desegregate Central High. Watch a clip of the tense times.

Tommy John Surgery Performed for the First Time 1974

Tommy John thinks his major-league baseball career is over when he ruptures his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). But Dr. Frank Jobe restores him to pitching condition by performing a new type of surgery which is now commonplace.

Congress Sends First 12 Amendments to the States 1789

George Mason refuses to sign the Constitution he helped to draft when it didn't contain a Bill of Rights. To correct this problem, the 1st Congress drafts 12 Amendments and sends them to the States for approval. 10 of the 12 become the Bill of Rights

Kennedy-Nixon Debate 1960

September 26, 1960 was the first time television viewers could watch nominees for the American presidency ''go at each other.'' The event was a turning point in American politics.

Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity

1905 is known as Einstein's ''Miracle Year.'' On the 26th of September, he published ''On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies.'' We call that Einstein's ''Theory of Special Relativity.''

Deciphering Hieroglyphics 1799

September 27 1822, 23 years after the Rosetta Stone was discovered, a young French scholar, Jean-Francois Champollion, announced that he had deciphered its symbols. It was the long-awaited breakthrough the world needed to study ancient Egypt.

Surrender of Warsaw during WWII 1939

After enduring 18 days of nearly endless bombing, the people of Warsaw are forced to surrender to Hitler on September 27, 1939. Hitler believes other countries will accept his peace offer, after this event, but he soon realizes this will not happen.

William the Conqueror 1066

William the Conqueror, from France, set sail with an army on September 27, 1066. The story of what happened is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry (which is animated in this video clip).

Siege of Yorktown Begins - 1781

With help from the French, General Washington and his troops begin the siege of Yorktown. When Lord Cornwallis surrendered, the American Revolutionary War was effectively over.

Alexander Fleming and Penicillin Mold - 1928

On September 28, 1928, Dr. Alexander Fleming was cleaning-up his lab at St Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, England. Among the usual clutter, he saw something unusual in a culture plate. What he found changed the infection-fighting world.

Samuel Huntington and the American Presidency 1779

When Samuel Huntington is elected President of the Continental Congress, on 28 September 1779, he is in line to become the first US President (technically speaking) since he is still President when the Articles of Confederation are adopted in 1781.

Battle of Salamis 480 BC

The Persians were defeated at the hands of Themistocles and his Greek fleet. It was a major victory which took place on the 29th of September, 480 BC.

Nikita Khrushchev Angrily Addresses the UN 1960

During the early fall of 1960, Nikita Khrushchev is angry when he addresses the U.N. General Assembly. Upset about Western colonialism, the Soviet leader calls for an end to ''colonial slavery.''

Disaster at Babi-Yar 1941

Late September, 1941, Nazi officials in Kiev ordered all Jewish people in the area were to report to a specific place on the 29th.What the people thought and what happened were not the same.

Cesar Chavez Founds National Farm Workers Association 1962

Cesar Chavez, who grew up as a migrant worker, forces a change in America when he founds the National Farm Workers Association, later known as United Farm Workers, on September 30, 1962. Who was he?

USS Nautilus - First Nuclear-Powered Submarine Launched 1954

More than two years after President Truman dedicated the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) is launched on September 30, 1954.

Gutenberg - The West's First Printed Book 1452

Some historians believe that Gutenberg released the first part of the world's first published book - The Bible - on September 30, 1452. The publication of Gutenberg's Bible changed the world.

Sep 1: SR-71 Blackbird Sets Flying Record 1974

Sep 1: Titanic Discovered on the North Atlantic Floor 1985

Sep 1: Krakatoa and the World's Loudest Sound 1883

Sep 1: Great Kanto Earthquake 1923

Sep 1: Hitler Invades Poland 1939

Sep 1: Who was Benedict Arnold?1780

Sep 1: Japanese-American Internment - WWII 1942

Sep 1: Wearing the Yellow Star 1941

Sep 2: Terra Cotta Soldiers 247 BC

Sep 2: Battle of Stalingrad 1942

Sep 2: End of the War in the Pacific 1945

Sep 2: Japanese Surrender - VJ Day 1945