1553
Politics
Coronation as first uncontested queen regnant of England
Mary was crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking her as the first uncontested queen regnant of England.
View detailsThis Day
01October
94 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1719
Arts
Death of Margaret Hughes
Margaret Hughes, celebrated as the first professional actress on the English stage, dies on 1 October 1719.
View details1732
Science
First woman appointed as a university professor of physics in Europe
Bassi was granted an honorary post in natural philosophy at the University of Bologna, becoming the first female university physics professor in Europe.
View details1754
Politics
Birth of heir Paul Petrovich (future Paul I)
Catherine gives birth to her son Paul, securing the Russian succession, in October 1754.
View details1796
Science
Begins writing 'First Impressions'
In October 1796 Austen began composing 'First Impressions,' the original manuscript that would later become 'Pride and Prejudice.'
View details1843
Science
First fascicle of Photographs of British Algae issued — first photographically illustrated book
Atkins issued the first fascicle of Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, the first book illustrated entirely with photographic images.
View details1847
Science
Discovery of 'Miss Mitchell’s Comet'
Maria Mitchell discovered a new telescopic comet near Polaris on October 1, 1847, later named “Miss Mitchell’s Comet.”
View details1847
Activism
Birth of Annie Besant
Annie Besant was born on October 1, 1847, in London, England.
View details1848
Science
First woman elected to AAAS
Maria Mitchell became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences on October 1, 1848.
View details1868
Medicine
First woman admitted to Paris École de Médecine
First female student admitted to the Paris École de Médecine.
View details1870
Science
First woman admitted to MIT and a U.S. scientific school
Admitted as MIT’s first woman student, becoming the first woman in America accepted to any school of science and technology.
View details1871
Activism
Appointed first Principal of Newnham Hall, Cambridge
Clough became the first Principal of what evolved into Newnham College, Cambridge, one of the earliest institutions for women's higher education in Britain.
View details1875
Science
First excavations at Turdaș–Luncă
Torma begins the first excavations at Turdaș–Luncă (Tordos), becoming the first person to excavate this important prehistoric site.
View details1876
Science
First female instructor at MIT
Appointed instructor in MIT’s sanitary chemistry laboratory, becoming MIT’s first female faculty member.
View details1881
Arts
Opens architectural office as first female architect
Opened her own architectural office, marking her as the first professional woman architect in the U.S.
View details1886
Activism
Co-founding of the Kindergarten Movement
Elizabeth Harrison co-founded the Kindergarten Movement in 1886.
View details1888
Science
First woman faculty member in Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins
Ladd-Franklin began teaching at Johns Hopkins as a lecturer in philosophy, becoming the first woman on the Arts and Sciences faculty.
View details1888
Science
Birth of Louise Freeland Jenkins
Louise Freeland Jenkins, pioneering American astronomer known for her work on stellar parallax and cataloging nearby stars, was born on October 1, 1888.
View details1893
1894
Activism
Initiation of first U.S. school lunch program
Helps launch Boston’s pioneering school lunch program, the first in the United States, applying home economics to child nutrition.
View details1902
Science
Commercial publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Frederick Warne & Co. published the first trade, full-colour edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, launching Potter's career.
View details1903
Literature
Publication of The Land of Little Rain
Mary Austin published her seminal work, "The Land of Little Rain," on October 1, 1903.
View details1904
Literature
Standard Oil series concludes in McClure's Magazine
The 19-part McClure's Magazine series on Standard Oil concluded, culminating nearly two years of groundbreaking investigative reporting.
View details1904
Activism
First President of the Bowdoin Society of Women
Wiggin became the inaugural president of the Bowdoin Society of Women, an organization connecting women to Bowdoin College's community.
View details1907
Arts
Studies at the Art Students League of New York
Begins studies at the Art Students League under William Merritt Chase.
View details1907
Science
Patent granted for bake pan
U.S. Patent No. 868,312 was granted to Wilcox for a bake pan.
View details1909
Science
First woman elected to Liverpool City Council
Eleanor Rathbone became the first woman elected to Liverpool City Council, winning the Granby Ward seat as an Independent.
View details1910
1912
Science
First foreign-language translation of The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Dutch)
A Dutch edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was issued, the first official foreign-language translation of Potter's work.
View details1912
Science
Birth of Kathleen Ollerenshaw
Kathleen Ollerenshaw was born on October 1, 1912, in Withington, Manchester.
View details1913
Literature
Married Harold Nicolson
Vita Sackville-West married diplomat and writer Harold Nicolson at Knole's private chapel on 1 October 1913.
View details1913
Arts
Birth of Dorothy Woolfolk
Dorothy Woolfolk was born on October 1, 1913, in the United States.
View details1915
Arts
Creates early abstract charcoal drawings
O’Keeffe creates innovative charcoal drawings.
View details1916
Science
Patent issued for lightweight electric iron
On Oct 3, 1916, Eldorado Jones received a U.S. patent for a lightweight electric iron, a key product of her women-run company Eldorado Inventions, Inc.
View details1923
Science
Early work on stellar spectra submitted
Cecilia Payne submitted work on stellar spectra and composition to the Astrophysical Journal.
View details1931
Activism
Begins philosophy teaching at Le Puy girls’ lycée
In October 1931 Simone Weil begins her first full‑time philosophy teaching post at the girls’ lycée in Le Puy, launching her career as a secondary‑school philosopher.
View details1935
Literature
Publication of 'Mules and Men', first Black folklore collection by an African American
Publication of Hurston's 'Mules and Men', a first in Black folklore by an African American.
View details1940
Arts
Public debut at Galerie St. Etienne
Her first public debut as a painter at Galerie St. Etienne brought Grandma Moses to wider art-world attention.
View details1941
Activism
Organized desegregation-challenging visit to Delgado Art Museum
Catlett organized a desegregation-challenging visit to a museum.
View details1942
Aviation
Leads WAFS, first women on U.S. operational missions
By fall 1942 she leads the WAFS, the first women pilots to fly operational missions for the U.S. Armed Forces.
View details1943
Activism
Appointed Head of Żegota's Children's Department
Sendler was appointed head of the Children's Department of the underground Council to Aid Jews (Żegota), coordinating rescue operations for Jewish children.
View details1945
Aviation
Awarded Air Medal for wartime ferry leadership
After WWII she returns to civilian life; in the ensuing postwar period she is awarded the Air Medal for her ferrying leadership.
View details1954
Arts
First Black woman on the cover of Life magazine
Dandridge became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Life magazine, in the issue dated October 1, 1954.
View details1955
Science
Determines the structure of vitamin B12
Hodgkin announced the full structure of vitamin B12, one of the most complex non-protein molecules ever solved by X-ray crystallography.
View details1956
Politics
Birth of Gina Haspel
Gina Cheri Walker Haspel was born in Ashland, Kentucky, and would later become the seventh Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
View details1956
Science
Publication on F fertility factor in E. coli
Publication on F fertility factor (F plasmid) in E. coli documented in Genetics.
View details1957
Science
Patent granted: Method and Apparatus for Storing and Releasing Heat
U.S. Patent 2,808,494 for a “Method and Apparatus for Storing and Releasing Heat” is granted to Maria Telkes.
View details1960
Science
First documented observation of chimpanzees eating meat
Goodall documented chimpanzees eating meat for the first time in Oct 1960.
View details1962
Science
China's First Gallium Arsenide Single-Crystal Sample (October 1962)
In October 1962, Lin Lanying developed China's first gallium arsenide single-crystal sample, advancing compound semiconductor research.
View details1962
Science
Release of debut hit single "Don't Make Me Over"
Warwick's debut single, written by Bacharach and David, became her first major hit and launched her solo career.
View details1965
Politics
Appointed first African American woman U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg
Patricia Roberts Harris was appointed as the first African American woman U.S. ambassador.
View details1965
Politics
First African American woman U.S. ambassador (Luxembourg)
In 1965, Patricia Roberts Harris was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, becoming the first African American woman U.S. ambassador.
View details1968
Arts
Release of Switched-On Bach
Columbia Records released "Switched-On Bach," produced by Wendy Carlos, making major strides in electronic music.
View details1968
Science
Publication of Debut Collection "Firstborn"
Glück's debut poetry collection, Firstborn, was published, establishing her as an emerging American poet.
View details1974
Politics
First woman director of major media boards
First woman director of AP and American Newspaper Publishers Association.
View details1975
Activism
Protest in Korea
Traveled to Korea to protest the imprisonment of poet Kim Chi-ha.
View details1978
Arts
Awarded Chevalier of the Legion of Honor
Estée Lauder was honored by France on October 1, 1978.
View details1978
Literature
"The Taste of Country Cooking" chosen by Book-of-the-Month Club
Lewis's cookbook was selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club, cementing its status as an influential text in American kitchens.
View details1979
Arts
Death of Dorothy Arzner
Dorothy Arzner died on October 1, 1979, in La Quinta, California.
View details1980
Science
First woman elected to the Science Council of Japan
Saruhashi became the first woman elected to the Science Council of Japan, the nation's top scientific advisory body.
View details1980
Science
Co-founded the Association for the Bright Future of Women Scientists
Saruhashi co-founded the Association for the Bright Future of Women Scientists to further support women pursuing scientific careers in Japan.
View details1981
Politics
Retirement after 36 years of service
Clarke retires after 36 years, then the longest Army career by a woman in U.S. history.
View details1984
Science
English Heritage blue plaque unveiled for Claudia Jones
On 1 October 1984, English Heritage unveiled a blue plaque at Jones's former London home, honouring her as an anti-racist activist and Carnival founder.
View details1985
Science
Leads AIDS-benefit anthem "That's What Friends Are For"
Warwick led the landmark AIDS charity single with Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight, raising millions for AIDS research.
View details1986
Law
Assumed senior status as federal judge
Constance Baker Motley assumed senior status in 1986.
View details1987
Activism
Profiled by Forbes as 'Madam Railroad'
Forbes highlighted Benham as 'Madam Railroad' in 1987.
View details1988
Science
Olympic Gold in 4x100m Relay, Seoul 1988
Griffith Joyner helped the U.S. women's 4x100m relay team win Olympic gold in Seoul, her third gold medal of the Games.
View details1991
Arts
Premiere of Martha Stewart Living TV show
Martha Stewart Living TV show premieres in October 1991.
View details1994
Science
Publication of Venus crater "Wang Zhenyi" in official nomenclature
Venus crater "Wang Zhenyi" was published in the official nomenclature in October 1994.
View details1995
Arts
Death of Margaret Gorman Cahill
Margaret Gorman died at age 90 in Bowie, Maryland, remembered as an iconic first Miss America.
View details1996
Politics
Elected mayor of Wasilla, Alaska
Sarah Palin was elected mayor of Wasilla, defeating incumbent mayor John Stein.
View details1996
Literature
Library of Congress Living Legend Award
Blume was named a Library of Congress Living Legend for her contributions to America's cultural heritage in writing for young people.
View details1996
Science
Final Patent Granted at Age 78: Improved Dental Floss (US 5,560,377)
Donovan's twentieth and final patent, an improved multifilament dental floss bonded to a monofilament leader, was granted October 1, 1996, when she was 78.
View details1997
Arts
Formation of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Martha Stewart forms Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 1997.
View details1999
Science
Named co-patron saint of Europe
Pope John Paul II proclaimed Catherine of Siena a co-patron saint of Europe.
View details2002
Arts
Carol Stuart case referenced in Bowling for Columbine
Michael Moore's October 2002 documentary Bowling for Columbine cited the Stuart case as an example of racialized fear shaping U.S. gun culture.
View details2002
Science
Speaker at USPTO 200th anniversary celebration
Invited speaker at USPTO’s 200th anniversary.
View details2002
Science
Negotiator in the Moscow theater hostage crisis
Asked to help negotiate with Chechen rebels during the Moscow theater hostage crisis, reflecting her unique standing with conflict parties.
View details2004
Activism
Named 'Greatest Black Briton' in a public poll
Mary Seacole was voted 'Greatest Black Briton' in a 2004 poll.
View details2006
Science
First woman recipient of Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences
Carol Greider became the first woman to win the Wiley Prize in October 2006.
View details2008
Science
25th anniversary of the Claudia Jones Organisation
In October 2008, the Claudia Jones Organisation, a London charity supporting African, Caribbean and minority women and families, marked its 25th anniversary.
View details2008
Politics
Inducted into Affordable Housing Hall of Fame
Carla Hills was inducted into Affordable Housing Finance's Affordable Housing Hall of Fame for her impact on U.S. housing policy.
View details2011
Arts
Second consecutive RIBA Stirling Prize (Evelyn Grace Academy)
Zaha Hadid won the Stirling Prize again on October 1, 2011, for the Evelyn Grace Academy.
View details2011
Aviation
Inducted into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame
She is posthumously inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, honoring her WWII aviation leadership and Michigan roots.
View details2012
Science
Podcast Feature on Inventing Career
Matthews' invention story was featured in a podcast interview exploring what it takes to be an inventor, centered on the Soccket's creation and impact.
View details2012
Activism
Resignation from Liberia's Peace and Reconciliation Commission
Gbowee resigns from Liberia’s Peace Commission, citing government handling of corruption and reconciliation.
View details2012
Science
First female executive at Dropbox
Became Dropbox’s first female executive; marked a gender milestone.
View details2012
Science
Appointed VP of Operations at Dropbox
Became Vice President at Dropbox, managing operations during growth.
View details2014
Sports
First Indian female boxer to win Asian Games gold – Incheon 2014
Mary Kom won Asian Games gold in 2014, a first for an Indian woman boxer.
View details2014
Arts
Releases 'Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics'
Franklin releases an album covering songs by iconic divas, reaffirming her influence.
View details2016
Science
TED talk on black-hole imaging
Bouman gave a TED talk, "How to take a picture of a black hole," laying out the computational imaging approach behind EHT.
View details2017
Science
Completed PhD at MIT
Bouman completed her PhD at MIT, a key milestone in her journey as a computer scientist specializing in imaging.
View details2019
Science
UC Achieves Largest CRISPR-Cas9 Patent Portfolio
USPTO granted U.S. Patent No. 10,428,352, making UC's the largest CRISPR-Cas9 patent portfolio in the United States.
View details2023
Literature
Publication of Farewell to Tara
Roberta Williams released her historical novel Farewell to Tara by October 2023.
View details