22 fun facts for October, 11
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
October 11th is a day of remarkable events and celebrations, from the International Day of the Girl Child to the first-ever episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975. It's a day that honors historical figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, encourages support for the LGBTQ+ community, and commemorates groundbreaking achievements in space and technology.
22 Fun facts
- October 11, 1962: Pope John XXIII inaugurated the Second Vatican Council, aimed at addressing various issues within the Catholic Church and promoting unity among Christians. This council introduced significant changes to the liturgy and practices of the church.
- International Day of the Girl Child: Established in 2011, this day is observed on October 11th by the United Nations, aiming to raise awareness about gender inequality and address the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide, such as child marriage, education, and healthcare.
- On October 11, 1984, Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, stepping outside the Space Shuttle Challenger as a mission specialist. She spent 3.5 hours outside the shuttle, working on a satellite.
- October 11, 1975: The first-ever live broadcast of the iconic American TV show, Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired on NBC. Created by Lorne Michaels, SNL is a live sketch comedy and variety show featuring famous comedic actors, guest hosts, and musical performances.
- October 11, 2007: the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1. The spacecraft orbited the moon and carried out high-resolution remote sensing, aiding in the discovery of water molecules on the lunar surface.
- October 11, 2018: Canada became the second country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana use. The historic legislation aimed at curbing the illegal market, enhancing public health and safety, and generating revenue through taxation.
- October 11, 1890: The Daughters of the American Revolution, a non-profit organization promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism, was founded in Washington, D.C. Members are women directly descended from patriots involved in the American Revolutionary War.
- October 11, 1899: The first magnetic recording was demonstrated by Valdemar Poulsen, a Danish engineer, in Denmark. Poulsen's invention, called the telegraphone, used magnetized steel wire to record sound, which later led to the development of magnetic tape and modern data-storage devices.
- October 11, 1917: Blues singer and songwriter Thelonious Monk, a pioneer of modern jazz, was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. His unique improvisational style and elegant compositions made him one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of his time.
- October 11, 1965: The Beatles' single "Yesterday" was released in the United States, becoming one of the most frequently covered songs in history. Paul McCartney, who mainly composed the song, has performed it in numerous concerts as a solo artist.
- October 11, 1983: The last hand-cranked telephones in the United States were replaced with push-button models in Bryant Pond, Maine. With this switch, the era of manual telephone exchanges in the US came to an end.
- October 11, 2006: The social media platform Facebook opened its registration to everyone aged 13 and above, vastly expanding its user base. Previously, a valid university email address was required to join the platform.
- On October 11, 1899, the Second Boer War began between the British Empire and the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. The three-year conflict resulted in British victory and substantial changes in South Africa's political landscape.
- October 11, 2002: Former US President Jimmy Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace, democracy, and human rights around the world. He remains involved in various humanitarian projects through his non-profit organization, the Carter Center.
- National Coming Out Day: Celebrated annually on October 11th in the United States since 1988, this day acknowledges and supports the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging individuals to share their coming out stories and experiences.
- National Sausage Pizza Day: Observed on October 11th in the United States, National Sausage Pizza Day is dedicated to celebrating the tasty combination of sausage and pizza, inviting people to enjoy this much-loved culinary delight.
- Old Michaelmas Day: Traditionally observed on October 11th in the United Kingdom, Old Michaelmas Day stems from the shift between the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Today, it is an informal commemoration of the harvest season.
- Eleanor Roosevelt Day: October 11th marks the birth of Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States, who championed civil rights, women's rights, and humanitarian causes. In her home state of New York, this day is dedicated to honoring her accomplishments and legacy.
- October 11, 1976: The first New York City Marathon took place. The annual event has evolved into one of the world's largest and most prestigious marathon races, attracting more than 50,000 participants and millions of spectators.
- On October 11, 2001, the Polaroid Corporation filed for bankruptcy protection. Known for their iconic instant cameras, the company faced financial difficulties as digital photography replaced traditional film-based systems.
- October 11 marks National Depression Screening Day in the United States. On this day, mental health organizations and healthcare providers offer free, anonymous screenings for depression, anxiety, and other related issues, raising awareness and encouraging people to seek help.
- October 11, 1988: American singer and songwriter Hollie Smith won the inaugural New Zealand Idol competition. Her victory launched her successful music career, which includes multiple albums and chart-topping singles in her home country.