800
Politics
Irene’s female rule helps justify Charlemagne’s coronation as Emperor
On 25 December 800, Charlemagne is crowned Emperor of the Romans, partly justified by Irene’s female usurpation of the Byzantine throne.
View detailsThis Day
25December
22 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1126
Science
Oath ceremony naming Matilda heir to the English throne
On Christmas Day 1126, Henry I compelled his nobles to swear an oath recognizing Matilda as his heir — the first such designation of a woman.
View details1806
Activism
Birth of Martha Coffin Wright
Martha Coffin Wright, later a noted activist, was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
View details1820
1821
Medicine
Birth of Clara Barton
Birth of Clarissa Harlowe Barton in Oxford, Massachusetts, on Christmas Day 1821; she would become a Civil War relief worker and founder of the American Red Cross.
View details1872
Science
Birth of Helena Rubinstein in Kraków
Chaja (Helena) Rubinstein was born in Kraków, then part of Austria-Hungary, to a Jewish family, later becoming a pioneering cosmetics entrepreneur.
View details1876
Science
Birth in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Juliana Rieser was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to Maxmillian Rieser and Juliana Schmutz, German immigrants.
View details1889
Science
Birth of Lila Bell Acheson
Lila Bell Acheson, future cofounder of Reader's Digest, was born in Virden, Manitoba, Canada.
View details1911
Arts
Birth of Louise Bourgeois
Born in Paris, France to Josephine Fauriaux and Louis Bourgeois.
View details1951
Activism
Recognition of Harry and Harriette Moore as first martyrs of the modern Civil Rights Movement
The Moores' assassination was recognized as marking them the first martyrs in the modern Civil Rights Movement.
View details1951
Activism
First assassination of civil rights activists in the modern Civil Rights Movement
Harry and Harriette Moore were the first civil rights activists assassinated in the modern era, marking a grim milestone in history.
View details1951
Activism
Bombing of Harry and Harriette Moore’s home
On Christmas Day 1951, Harry and Harriette Moore’s home in Mims, Florida, was bombed, fatally injuring them both.
View details1962
Literature
US release of To Kill a Mockingbird film adaptation
Film adaptation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" is released on December 25, 1962.
View details1969
Arts
Died in Oslo, Norway
Pauline Hall died on December 25, 1969, in Oslo, Norway, at age 79.
View details1984
Science
Experimental detection of telomerase activity
Experimental detection of telomerase activity by Carol W. Greider in Tetrahymena extracts on Christmas Day 1984.
View details1984
Science
Experimental discovery of telomerase activity
Carol Greider discovered telomerase activity on December 25, 1984, as a graduate student.
View details1992
Activism
Death of Helen Joseph
Helen Joseph passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the age of 87.
View details1996
Science
"Evita" opens in U.S. theaters
Madonna stars as Eva Perón in "Evita," a role later earning her a Golden Globe and a Guinness record for costume changes.
View details1997
Law
Death of Yvonne Cormeau
Yvonne Cormeau passed away on December 25, 1997, in London, England.
View details2002
Science
First woman to play in an NCAA Division I-A football game
Hnida entered the Las Vegas Bowl for New Mexico vs. UCLA and attempted an extra point, becoming the first woman to play in a Division I-A game.
View details2016
Science
Death of Vera Rubin
Vera Rubin died in Princeton, NJ, leaving a legacy in astronomy.
View details2016
Arts
Film 'Joy' Release Brings Popularity
The film 'Joy,' depicting Mangano's life, was released on December 25, 2016, increasing her popularity.
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