Eric Christensen
@echristensen.bsky.social
love, truth, beauty, corn, and a little democracy … an old, long-haired, noble-fared, leaping gnome
The ENIAC Six:
On this day in history, 80 years ago, February 15, 1946, the ENIAC computer was dedicated, honoring John Mauchly and John Presper Eckert, who designed the hardware, but ignoring the “ENIAC Six,” the women who programmed it. (1/4)
On this day in history, 80 years ago, February 15, 1946, the ENIAC computer was dedicated, honoring John Mauchly and John Presper Eckert, who designed the hardware, but ignoring the “ENIAC Six,” the women who programmed it. (1/4)
February 15, 2026 at 7:06 PM
The ENIAC Six:
On this day in history, 80 years ago, February 15, 1946, the ENIAC computer was dedicated, honoring John Mauchly and John Presper Eckert, who designed the hardware, but ignoring the “ENIAC Six,” the women who programmed it. (1/4)
On this day in history, 80 years ago, February 15, 1946, the ENIAC computer was dedicated, honoring John Mauchly and John Presper Eckert, who designed the hardware, but ignoring the “ENIAC Six,” the women who programmed it. (1/4)
Race to the Telephone:
On this day in history, 150 years ago, February 14, 1876, Elisha Gray filed a patent caveat for “Instruments for Transmitting and Receiving Vocal Sounds Telegraphically” on the same day Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent application for “Improvement in Telegraphy.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 150 years ago, February 14, 1876, Elisha Gray filed a patent caveat for “Instruments for Transmitting and Receiving Vocal Sounds Telegraphically” on the same day Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent application for “Improvement in Telegraphy.” (1/5)
February 14, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Race to the Telephone:
On this day in history, 150 years ago, February 14, 1876, Elisha Gray filed a patent caveat for “Instruments for Transmitting and Receiving Vocal Sounds Telegraphically” on the same day Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent application for “Improvement in Telegraphy.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 150 years ago, February 14, 1876, Elisha Gray filed a patent caveat for “Instruments for Transmitting and Receiving Vocal Sounds Telegraphically” on the same day Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent application for “Improvement in Telegraphy.” (1/5)
The Great Lego Spill:
On this day in history, 29 years ago, February 13, 1997, the container ship “Tokio Express” lost 62 shipping containers when a giant wave caused the ship to tilt 60 degrees 10 miles south of Land’s End, Cornwall, England. (1/4)
On this day in history, 29 years ago, February 13, 1997, the container ship “Tokio Express” lost 62 shipping containers when a giant wave caused the ship to tilt 60 degrees 10 miles south of Land’s End, Cornwall, England. (1/4)
February 13, 2026 at 8:47 PM
The Great Lego Spill:
On this day in history, 29 years ago, February 13, 1997, the container ship “Tokio Express” lost 62 shipping containers when a giant wave caused the ship to tilt 60 degrees 10 miles south of Land’s End, Cornwall, England. (1/4)
On this day in history, 29 years ago, February 13, 1997, the container ship “Tokio Express” lost 62 shipping containers when a giant wave caused the ship to tilt 60 degrees 10 miles south of Land’s End, Cornwall, England. (1/4)
“Let the Monster Perish”
On this day in history, 161 years ago, February 12, 1865, abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet, who was also a Presbyterian minister, became the first African-American to speak in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives. (1/5)
On this day in history, 161 years ago, February 12, 1865, abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet, who was also a Presbyterian minister, became the first African-American to speak in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives. (1/5)
February 12, 2026 at 5:27 PM
“Let the Monster Perish”
On this day in history, 161 years ago, February 12, 1865, abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet, who was also a Presbyterian minister, became the first African-American to speak in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives. (1/5)
On this day in history, 161 years ago, February 12, 1865, abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet, who was also a Presbyterian minister, became the first African-American to speak in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives. (1/5)
“Bon Appétit!”
On this day in history, 63 years ago, February 11, 1963, “The French Chef” starring Julia Child became a regular series on the non-commercial educational television station WBGH-TV in Boston, Massachusetts. (1/5)
On this day in history, 63 years ago, February 11, 1963, “The French Chef” starring Julia Child became a regular series on the non-commercial educational television station WBGH-TV in Boston, Massachusetts. (1/5)
February 11, 2026 at 6:15 PM
“Bon Appétit!”
On this day in history, 63 years ago, February 11, 1963, “The French Chef” starring Julia Child became a regular series on the non-commercial educational television station WBGH-TV in Boston, Massachusetts. (1/5)
On this day in history, 63 years ago, February 11, 1963, “The French Chef” starring Julia Child became a regular series on the non-commercial educational television station WBGH-TV in Boston, Massachusetts. (1/5)
First Indigent Hospital:
On this day in history, 274 years ago, February 10, 1752, the first patients were admitted to the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, which had been chartered by the legislature the previous May “for the Relief of the Sick Poor … and Cure of Lunaticks.” (1/4)
On this day in history, 274 years ago, February 10, 1752, the first patients were admitted to the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, which had been chartered by the legislature the previous May “for the Relief of the Sick Poor … and Cure of Lunaticks.” (1/4)
February 10, 2026 at 6:23 PM
First Indigent Hospital:
On this day in history, 274 years ago, February 10, 1752, the first patients were admitted to the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, which had been chartered by the legislature the previous May “for the Relief of the Sick Poor … and Cure of Lunaticks.” (1/4)
On this day in history, 274 years ago, February 10, 1752, the first patients were admitted to the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, which had been chartered by the legislature the previous May “for the Relief of the Sick Poor … and Cure of Lunaticks.” (1/4)
The End of the S.S. Normandie:
On this day in history, 84 years ago, February 9, 1942, the “U.S.S. Lafayette,” formerly the French “S.S. Normandie,” was destroyed by a devastating fire as it was docked in New York Harbor. (1/6)
On this day in history, 84 years ago, February 9, 1942, the “U.S.S. Lafayette,” formerly the French “S.S. Normandie,” was destroyed by a devastating fire as it was docked in New York Harbor. (1/6)
February 9, 2026 at 5:20 PM
The End of the S.S. Normandie:
On this day in history, 84 years ago, February 9, 1942, the “U.S.S. Lafayette,” formerly the French “S.S. Normandie,” was destroyed by a devastating fire as it was docked in New York Harbor. (1/6)
On this day in history, 84 years ago, February 9, 1942, the “U.S.S. Lafayette,” formerly the French “S.S. Normandie,” was destroyed by a devastating fire as it was docked in New York Harbor. (1/6)
Dawes Act of 1887:
On this day in history, 139 years ago, February 8, 1887, the Dawes Severalty Act (also known as the General Allotment Act) was passed by Congress, ending the communal ownership of property by Native Americans and forcing them into individual ownership. (1/5)
On this day in history, 139 years ago, February 8, 1887, the Dawes Severalty Act (also known as the General Allotment Act) was passed by Congress, ending the communal ownership of property by Native Americans and forcing them into individual ownership. (1/5)
February 8, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Dawes Act of 1887:
On this day in history, 139 years ago, February 8, 1887, the Dawes Severalty Act (also known as the General Allotment Act) was passed by Congress, ending the communal ownership of property by Native Americans and forcing them into individual ownership. (1/5)
On this day in history, 139 years ago, February 8, 1887, the Dawes Severalty Act (also known as the General Allotment Act) was passed by Congress, ending the communal ownership of property by Native Americans and forcing them into individual ownership. (1/5)
An Imaginary Speech:
On this day in history, 251 years ago, February 7, 1775, Benjamin Franklin published “An Imaginary Speech” in response to a British officer disparaging the courage of the colonial rebels during a speech to Parliament. (1/4)
On this day in history, 251 years ago, February 7, 1775, Benjamin Franklin published “An Imaginary Speech” in response to a British officer disparaging the courage of the colonial rebels during a speech to Parliament. (1/4)
February 7, 2026 at 6:16 PM
An Imaginary Speech:
On this day in history, 251 years ago, February 7, 1775, Benjamin Franklin published “An Imaginary Speech” in response to a British officer disparaging the courage of the colonial rebels during a speech to Parliament. (1/4)
On this day in history, 251 years ago, February 7, 1775, Benjamin Franklin published “An Imaginary Speech” in response to a British officer disparaging the courage of the colonial rebels during a speech to Parliament. (1/4)
The First U.S. Treaty:
On this day in history, 248 years ago, February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (also known as the Franco-American Alliance) was signed at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France, creating an alliance between the United States and France. (1/4)
On this day in history, 248 years ago, February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (also known as the Franco-American Alliance) was signed at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France, creating an alliance between the United States and France. (1/4)
February 6, 2026 at 6:58 PM
The First U.S. Treaty:
On this day in history, 248 years ago, February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (also known as the Franco-American Alliance) was signed at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France, creating an alliance between the United States and France. (1/4)
On this day in history, 248 years ago, February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (also known as the Franco-American Alliance) was signed at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France, creating an alliance between the United States and France. (1/4)
The First Gas Company:
On this day in history, 209 years ago, February 5, 1817, The Gas-Light Company of Baltimore was granted a charter by the Maryland State Legislature, making it the first chartered gas company in America. (1/5)
On this day in history, 209 years ago, February 5, 1817, The Gas-Light Company of Baltimore was granted a charter by the Maryland State Legislature, making it the first chartered gas company in America. (1/5)
February 5, 2026 at 7:47 PM
The First Gas Company:
On this day in history, 209 years ago, February 5, 1817, The Gas-Light Company of Baltimore was granted a charter by the Maryland State Legislature, making it the first chartered gas company in America. (1/5)
On this day in history, 209 years ago, February 5, 1817, The Gas-Light Company of Baltimore was granted a charter by the Maryland State Legislature, making it the first chartered gas company in America. (1/5)
Southern Rebellion:
On this day in history, 165 years ago, February 4, 1861, the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States, with representatives from the seceded states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, convened in Montgomery, Alabama. (1/4)
On this day in history, 165 years ago, February 4, 1861, the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States, with representatives from the seceded states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, convened in Montgomery, Alabama. (1/4)
February 4, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Southern Rebellion:
On this day in history, 165 years ago, February 4, 1861, the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States, with representatives from the seceded states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, convened in Montgomery, Alabama. (1/4)
On this day in history, 165 years ago, February 4, 1861, the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States, with representatives from the seceded states of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, convened in Montgomery, Alabama. (1/4)
The Day the Music Died:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, February 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson crashed due to bad weather outside Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all three artists and pilot Roger Peterson. (1/4)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, February 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson crashed due to bad weather outside Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all three artists and pilot Roger Peterson. (1/4)
February 3, 2026 at 5:51 PM
The Day the Music Died:
On this day in history, 67 years ago, February 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson crashed due to bad weather outside Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all three artists and pilot Roger Peterson. (1/4)
On this day in history, 67 years ago, February 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson crashed due to bad weather outside Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all three artists and pilot Roger Peterson. (1/4)
Bonus Cinematic History:
On this day in history, 33 years ago, February 2, 1993, Pittsburgh meteorologist Phil Connors died more than a dozen times, was slapped in the face at least eight times, kidnapped a groundhog, and fell in love. (1/4)
On this day in history, 33 years ago, February 2, 1993, Pittsburgh meteorologist Phil Connors died more than a dozen times, was slapped in the face at least eight times, kidnapped a groundhog, and fell in love. (1/4)
February 2, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Bonus Cinematic History:
On this day in history, 33 years ago, February 2, 1993, Pittsburgh meteorologist Phil Connors died more than a dozen times, was slapped in the face at least eight times, kidnapped a groundhog, and fell in love. (1/4)
On this day in history, 33 years ago, February 2, 1993, Pittsburgh meteorologist Phil Connors died more than a dozen times, was slapped in the face at least eight times, kidnapped a groundhog, and fell in love. (1/4)
Ice Cream Scoop:
On this day in history, 129 years ago, February 2, 1897, Alfred L. Cralle—a porter at St. Charles Hotel and Markell Brothers Drugstore in Pittsburgh—received a patent for his invention of an “Ice Cream Mold and Disher” whose design is still used for ice cream scoops today. (1/4)
On this day in history, 129 years ago, February 2, 1897, Alfred L. Cralle—a porter at St. Charles Hotel and Markell Brothers Drugstore in Pittsburgh—received a patent for his invention of an “Ice Cream Mold and Disher” whose design is still used for ice cream scoops today. (1/4)
February 2, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Ice Cream Scoop:
On this day in history, 129 years ago, February 2, 1897, Alfred L. Cralle—a porter at St. Charles Hotel and Markell Brothers Drugstore in Pittsburgh—received a patent for his invention of an “Ice Cream Mold and Disher” whose design is still used for ice cream scoops today. (1/4)
On this day in history, 129 years ago, February 2, 1897, Alfred L. Cralle—a porter at St. Charles Hotel and Markell Brothers Drugstore in Pittsburgh—received a patent for his invention of an “Ice Cream Mold and Disher” whose design is still used for ice cream scoops today. (1/4)
Explosive Broadcast:
On this day in history, 75 years ago, February 1, 1951, KTLA in Los Angeles became the first television station to broadcast a “top secret” test of an atomic bomb at Frenchman Flat between Yucca Flat and Mercury, Nevada. (1/4)
On this day in history, 75 years ago, February 1, 1951, KTLA in Los Angeles became the first television station to broadcast a “top secret” test of an atomic bomb at Frenchman Flat between Yucca Flat and Mercury, Nevada. (1/4)
February 1, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Explosive Broadcast:
On this day in history, 75 years ago, February 1, 1951, KTLA in Los Angeles became the first television station to broadcast a “top secret” test of an atomic bomb at Frenchman Flat between Yucca Flat and Mercury, Nevada. (1/4)
On this day in history, 75 years ago, February 1, 1951, KTLA in Los Angeles became the first television station to broadcast a “top secret” test of an atomic bomb at Frenchman Flat between Yucca Flat and Mercury, Nevada. (1/4)
Ham the Astrochimp:
On this day in history, 65 years ago, January 31, 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first living passenger to ride on an American spacecraft in a suborbital flight on the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission. (1/4)
On this day in history, 65 years ago, January 31, 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first living passenger to ride on an American spacecraft in a suborbital flight on the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission. (1/4)
January 31, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Ham the Astrochimp:
On this day in history, 65 years ago, January 31, 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first living passenger to ride on an American spacecraft in a suborbital flight on the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission. (1/4)
On this day in history, 65 years ago, January 31, 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first living passenger to ride on an American spacecraft in a suborbital flight on the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission. (1/4)
Churchill’s Funeral
On this day in history, 61 years ago, January 30, 1965, the funeral procession and service for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was the largest gathering of world leaders up to that time. (1/5)
On this day in history, 61 years ago, January 30, 1965, the funeral procession and service for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was the largest gathering of world leaders up to that time. (1/5)
January 30, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Churchill’s Funeral
On this day in history, 61 years ago, January 30, 1965, the funeral procession and service for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was the largest gathering of world leaders up to that time. (1/5)
On this day in history, 61 years ago, January 30, 1965, the funeral procession and service for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was the largest gathering of world leaders up to that time. (1/5)
Librarian of Congress:
On this day in history, 224 years ago, January 29, 1802, John James Beckley became the first Librarian of the United States Congress, appointed by his good friend and political ally, President Thomas Jefferson. (1/5)
On this day in history, 224 years ago, January 29, 1802, John James Beckley became the first Librarian of the United States Congress, appointed by his good friend and political ally, President Thomas Jefferson. (1/5)
January 29, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Librarian of Congress:
On this day in history, 224 years ago, January 29, 1802, John James Beckley became the first Librarian of the United States Congress, appointed by his good friend and political ally, President Thomas Jefferson. (1/5)
On this day in history, 224 years ago, January 29, 1802, John James Beckley became the first Librarian of the United States Congress, appointed by his good friend and political ally, President Thomas Jefferson. (1/5)
Early Speed Demon:
On this day in history, 130 years ago, January 28, 1896, Walter Arnold became the first person in the world to receive a speeding ticket for having driven his horseless carriage through Paddock Wood, England, at four times the speed limit: eight miles per hour! (1/5)
On this day in history, 130 years ago, January 28, 1896, Walter Arnold became the first person in the world to receive a speeding ticket for having driven his horseless carriage through Paddock Wood, England, at four times the speed limit: eight miles per hour! (1/5)
January 28, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Early Speed Demon:
On this day in history, 130 years ago, January 28, 1896, Walter Arnold became the first person in the world to receive a speeding ticket for having driven his horseless carriage through Paddock Wood, England, at four times the speed limit: eight miles per hour! (1/5)
On this day in history, 130 years ago, January 28, 1896, Walter Arnold became the first person in the world to receive a speeding ticket for having driven his horseless carriage through Paddock Wood, England, at four times the speed limit: eight miles per hour! (1/5)
General War Order No. 1:
On this day in history, 164 years ago, January 27, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his General War Order No. 1 proclaiming February 22, 1862, as “the day for a general movement of the Land and Naval Forces of the United States against the insurgent forces.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 164 years ago, January 27, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his General War Order No. 1 proclaiming February 22, 1862, as “the day for a general movement of the Land and Naval Forces of the United States against the insurgent forces.” (1/5)
January 27, 2026 at 7:33 PM
General War Order No. 1:
On this day in history, 164 years ago, January 27, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his General War Order No. 1 proclaiming February 22, 1862, as “the day for a general movement of the Land and Naval Forces of the United States against the insurgent forces.” (1/5)
On this day in history, 164 years ago, January 27, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued his General War Order No. 1 proclaiming February 22, 1862, as “the day for a general movement of the Land and Naval Forces of the United States against the insurgent forces.” (1/5)
Sidestepping Prohibition:
On this day in history, 94 years ago, January 26, 1932, British Statesman and future Prime Minister Winston Churchill was issued a note from a doctor giving him permission to drink unlimited alcohol nearly a year prior to the repeal of prohibition in America. (1/4)
On this day in history, 94 years ago, January 26, 1932, British Statesman and future Prime Minister Winston Churchill was issued a note from a doctor giving him permission to drink unlimited alcohol nearly a year prior to the repeal of prohibition in America. (1/4)
January 26, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Sidestepping Prohibition:
On this day in history, 94 years ago, January 26, 1932, British Statesman and future Prime Minister Winston Churchill was issued a note from a doctor giving him permission to drink unlimited alcohol nearly a year prior to the repeal of prohibition in America. (1/4)
On this day in history, 94 years ago, January 26, 1932, British Statesman and future Prime Minister Winston Churchill was issued a note from a doctor giving him permission to drink unlimited alcohol nearly a year prior to the repeal of prohibition in America. (1/4)
Winter Olympics:
On this day in history, 102 years ago, January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in the French Alps. The first games had 16 events in 9 sports disciplines, compared to 116 events in 16 disciplines in 2026. (1/4)
On this day in history, 102 years ago, January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in the French Alps. The first games had 16 events in 9 sports disciplines, compared to 116 events in 16 disciplines in 2026. (1/4)
January 25, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Winter Olympics:
On this day in history, 102 years ago, January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in the French Alps. The first games had 16 events in 9 sports disciplines, compared to 116 events in 16 disciplines in 2026. (1/4)
On this day in history, 102 years ago, January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in the French Alps. The first games had 16 events in 9 sports disciplines, compared to 116 events in 16 disciplines in 2026. (1/4)
White Mischief:
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 24, 1941, Lord Josslyn Victor “Joss” Hay, 22nd Earl of Erroll, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Buick southwest of Nairobi, Kenya. (1/5)
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 24, 1941, Lord Josslyn Victor “Joss” Hay, 22nd Earl of Erroll, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Buick southwest of Nairobi, Kenya. (1/5)
January 24, 2026 at 9:04 PM
White Mischief:
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 24, 1941, Lord Josslyn Victor “Joss” Hay, 22nd Earl of Erroll, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Buick southwest of Nairobi, Kenya. (1/5)
On this day in history, 85 years ago, January 24, 1941, Lord Josslyn Victor “Joss” Hay, 22nd Earl of Erroll, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Buick southwest of Nairobi, Kenya. (1/5)
Discovery of Insulin:
On this day in history, 104 years ago, January 23, 1922, 14-year-old diabetic Leonard Thompson—described as “on death’s door”—was injected with a pancreatic extract (insulin), and he became brighter and more active as his blood sugar levels dropped dramatically. (1/5)
On this day in history, 104 years ago, January 23, 1922, 14-year-old diabetic Leonard Thompson—described as “on death’s door”—was injected with a pancreatic extract (insulin), and he became brighter and more active as his blood sugar levels dropped dramatically. (1/5)
January 23, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Discovery of Insulin:
On this day in history, 104 years ago, January 23, 1922, 14-year-old diabetic Leonard Thompson—described as “on death’s door”—was injected with a pancreatic extract (insulin), and he became brighter and more active as his blood sugar levels dropped dramatically. (1/5)
On this day in history, 104 years ago, January 23, 1922, 14-year-old diabetic Leonard Thompson—described as “on death’s door”—was injected with a pancreatic extract (insulin), and he became brighter and more active as his blood sugar levels dropped dramatically. (1/5)