Geraldine ‘Jerrie’ Mock becomes first woman to complete solo airplane trip around the world 50 years today (Apr 17 1964)

1960s

(Friday, April 17, 1964) — Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock became the first woman to complete a solo airplane trip around the world, returning to Columbus, Ohio, today after 29 1/2 days and 21 stopovers in her Cessna 180 (click here to watch video).

Union General Grant suspends prisoner exchanges 150 years ago today (Apr 17 1864)

1860s, American Civil War

(Sunday, April 17, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Union Army general in chief Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant today ordered all prisoner exchanges suspended until questions are answered regarding the Vicksburg and Port Hudson paroles (a number of the surrendered Confederates have simply rejoined the army, despite having given their word that they would not) and the matter of exchange of African American troops has been settled.

The Beatles interviewed during ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ recording session 50 years this evening (Apr 16 1964)

1960s, Movies 1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'The Beatles Interview - April 1964'

(Thursday, April 16, 1964, evening) — The Beatles were interviewed tonight at EMI Studio 2 in London (via telephone) by Chicago disc jockeys Art Roberts and Ron Riley for WLS-AM during the recording session for A Hard Day’s Night. Paul McCartney revealed for the first time the title of the group’s first film A Hard Day’s Night.

Anne Frank, still in hiding, receives her first kiss 70 years ago this hour (Apr 15 1944)

1940s, The Holocaust, World War II


Video: 'Anne Frank - The Whole Story (2001) 2/2' (Apr. 15, 1944, at 19:56)

(Saturday, April 15, 1944, 9:30 p.m. local time; part of The Holocaust during World War II) — On Anne Frank’s 650th day in hiding in a secret apartment behind her father’s business in German-occupied Amsterdam, the 14-year-old girl received her first kiss while on a “date” with Peter van Pels.

Kidnap victim Patricia Hearst participates in bank robbery 40 years ago this hour (Apr 15 1974)

1970s


Video: 'Symbionese Liberation Army'

(Monday, April 15, 1974, shortly after 9:00 a.m. PDT) — Members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, including kidnap victim Patricia Hearst, who by this time was going by the name “Tania,” held up a branch of the Hibernia Bank in San Francisco today. Hearst later said she’d been forced to participate.

‘Tom Jones’ wins Best Picture at 36th Academy Awards 50 years ago this hour (Apr 13 1964)

1960s, African-American Civil Rights, Movies 1960s


Video: '36th (1964) Oscars' (20 videos)

(Monday, April 13, 1964, 7:00 p.m. PST) — Tom Jones, a British adventure comedy film about a country boy in 18th-century England who becomes a playboy, won four Oscars tonight at the 36th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Tony Richardson for Best Director. Continue reading ‘Tom Jones’ wins Best Picture at 36th Academy Awards 50 years ago this hour (Apr 13 1964) →

Bill Haley & His Comets record ‘Rock Around the Clock’ in New York 60 years ago today (Apr 12 1954)

1950s, Popular Music 1950s

(Monday, April 12, 1954) — Bill Haley and His Comets today recorded “Rock Around The Clock,” considered the first rock and roll song to top the charts, for Decca Records at the Pythian Temple studios in New York City.

Federal black troops massacred at end of Battle of Fort Pillow 150 years ago today (Apr 12 1864)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Clip 1 from 'The Forgotten Battle of Fort Pillow''

(Tuesday, April 12, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Confederate troops led by Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest took Union-held Fort Pillow in Tennessee. Almost half of the Union garrison was made up of black soldiers, many of whom were slain by the Confederates. Continue reading Federal black troops massacred at end of Battle of Fort Pillow 150 years ago today (Apr 12 1864) →