1779
Science
Birth of Sarah "Tabitha" Babbitt
Born in Hardwick, Massachusetts; later a renowned inventor.
View detailsThis Day
09December
24 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1850
Arts
Birth of Emma Abbott
Emma Almira Abbott was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 9, 1850, later becoming one of America's most celebrated operatic sopranos.
View details1890
Literature
Birth of Laura Goodman Salverson
Laura Goodman Salverson was born on December 9, 1890.
View details1895
Politics
Birth of Dolores Ibárruri
Dolores Ibárruri was born on December 9, 1895, in the Basque Country of Spain.
View details1900
Arts
Birth of Margaret Brundage
Margaret Brundage was born on December 9, 1900, in Chicago, Illinois.
View details1906
1936
Arts
Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure) acquired by MoMA
Her iconic fur-covered teacup, saucer, and spoon are acquired by MoMA.
View details1941
Arts
First Latin American star at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
First Latin American star honored at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
View details1950
Arts
Birth of Joan Armatrading
Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading is born in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, later becoming a pioneering British singer-songwriter and guitarist.
View details1964
Medicine
Submission of National Program to Conquer Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke
Report submission to President Johnson, strongly supported by Mary Lasker, catalyzed programs for major diseases.
View details1972
Science
"I Am Woman" reaches No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
Reddy's feminist anthem hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making her the first Australian-born pop singer to top the American chart.
View details1974
Politics
Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana
Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana by President Ford.
View details1991
Arts
Death of Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott passed away on December 9, 1991, in Monson, Maine.
View details1994
Arts
Receives Kennedy Center Honors
Franklin is honored at the Kennedy Center for her lifetime contributions to American culture.
View details1996
1996
Literature
Nobel Prize in Literature ceremony
Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm on December 9, 1996.
View details1996
2002
Science
First African American female co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered
On December 9, 2002, Michele Norris became the first African American female co-host of NPR's All Things Considered.
View details2003
Law
Elected San Francisco District Attorney, Breaking Race and Gender Barriers
Harris was elected San Francisco district attorney, becoming the first woman and first Black person in the role.
View details2014
Politics
Release of Senate report on CIA detention and interrogation program
Feinstein released the executive summary of a Senate report on CIA practices.
View details2021
Activism
PolicyCast episode with Maria Ressa as Nobel Prize winner
PolicyCast featured Maria Ressa discussing the impact of social media on democracy.
View details2022
Activism
First Black woman appointed permanent president
Danielle Ren Holley is announced as Mount Holyoke’s first Black permanent president.
View details2022
Activism
Wallace House 'Unearthing Hidden Histories' lecture
On December 9, 2022, Michele Norris delivered a lecture on hidden racial histories at the University of Michigan.
View details2023
Science
"DJ Play a Christmas Song" reaches No. 1, completing seven-decade No. 1 streak
Cher becomes the only solo artist with a Billboard No. 1 hit in seven consecutive decades.
View details