Napoleon’s Iconic Bicorne Hat; est. €500,000-800,000. Courtesy Sotheby’s Napoleon Bonaparte remains one of the rare historical figures to have attained truly global celebrity status, thanks in no small part to his histrionic personality, tragic downfall and scandal-laced life. Rising swiftly through the ranks during the French Revolution, propelled by a razor-sharp strategic mind, he became […]
Today in History: May 27, the Golden Gate Bridge opens
Today is Tuesday, May 27, the 147th day of 2025. There are 218 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 27, 1937, the newly completed Golden Gate Bridge connecting San Francisco and Marin County, California, was opened to pedestrian traffic (vehicles began crossing the next day). Also on this date: In 1896, […]
Today in History: May 24, Brooklyn Bridge opens to traffic
Today is Saturday, May 24, the 144th day of 2025. There are 221 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 24,1883, New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, at the time the world’s longest suspension bridge, opened to traffic. Also on this date: In 1844, Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message “What hath God wrought” […]
Today in History: May 23, outlaws Bonnie and Clyde killed in police ambush
Today is Friday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2025. There are 222 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 23, 1934, bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were shot to death during a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. Also on this date: In 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, […]
Today in History: May 21, Clara Barton founds American Red Cross
Today is Wednesday, May 21, the 141st day of 2025. There are 224 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross was founded by nurse and educator Clara Barton in Washington D.C. Also on this date: In 1924, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a “thrill killing” […]
Today in History: May 20, United States detonates first hydrogen bomb
Today is Tuesday, May 20, the 140th day of 2025. There are 225 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 20, 1956, the United States exploded the first airborne hydrogen bomb over Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. Also on this date: In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which was […]
Today in History: May 16, China’s Cultural Revolution begins
Today is Friday, May 16, the 136th day of 2025. There are 229 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 16, 1966, the Chinese Communist Party issued the May 16 Notification, a document that criticized “counterrevolutionary revisionists” within the party and marked the beginning of the Cultural Revolution. Also on this date: […]
Today in History: May 12, tens of thousands die in Sichuan earthquake
Today is Monday, May 12, the 132nd day of 2025. There are 233 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 12, 2008, a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in China’s Sichuan province left more than 87,000 people dead or missing. Also on this date: In 1780, the besieged city of Charleston, South Carolina, […]
Today in History: May 9, FDA approves first birth control pill
Today is Friday, May 9, the 129th day of 2025. There are 236 days left in the year. Today in history: On May 9, 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved Enovid for use as the first oral contraceptive pill. Also on this date: In 1754, the famous political cartoon “Join or Die” […]