1821
Literature
Birth of Jane Francesca Elgee Wilde
Jane Francesca Elgee Wilde, Irish poet and activist, was born on December 27, 1821.
View detailsThis Day
27December
20 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1870
Science
Three more bearing-material patents close out a 15-patent year (US 110,582–584)
Murfey's final patents of 1870 brought her yearly total to fifteen patents plus one reissue — an extraordinary output for any inventor of the era.
View details1884
Science
Death of Emma Amelia Hall
Emma Amelia Hall died of heart disease in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory; her body was returned to Ypsilanti, Michigan.
View details1888
Science
Born in Tauperlitz, Bavaria
Thea von Harbou was born on December 27, 1888, in Tauperlitz, near Hof, Bavaria, into a family of minor aristocracy.
View details1891
Arts
Death of Amalia Lindegren
Amalia Lindegren died on December 27, 1891, in Stockholm, Sweden.
View details1900
Science
Smashes the Carey Hotel bar in Wichita and is jailed
Nation smashed the bar, mirror, and a nude painting at Wichita's Carey Hotel saloon; her arrest brought her international fame.
View details1930
Literature
Birth of Meg Greenfield
Birth of Mary Ellen “Meg” Greenfield in Seattle, Washington, the future Washington Post editorial leader and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
View details1935
Politics
Begins U.S.–Soviet humanitarian role
Appointed honorary vice president of Russian War Relief, enhancing U.S.-Soviet relations.
View details1935
Activism
Ordination as First Female Rabbi
Regina Jonas was ordained in Berlin by Rabbi Max Dienemann, becoming the first woman rabbi.
View details1938
Literature
Death in Chicago, Illinois
Zona Gale died of pneumonia in Chicago, Illinois, at age 64.
View details1940
Arts
Opening of "Carib Song"
Dunham's revue "Carib Song" opened in New York on December 27, 1940, continuing her exploration of Caribbean dance themes.
View details1944
Arts
Recording of "Don’t Explain"
Records "Don’t Explain," a confessional ballad she co‑wrote with Arthur Herzog Jr.
View details1944
Arts
Death of Amy Beach in New York City
Amy Beach died in New York City on December 27, 1944, leaving behind a rich legacy of over 300 compositions.
View details1978
Sports
Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year
Lopez named AP Female Athlete of the Year, 1978.
View details1985
Science
Body of Dian Fossey Found at Karisoke
Fossey's body was discovered in her cabin at Karisoke on the morning of December 27, 1985, following her murder the previous night.
View details1992
Literature
Death of Kay Boyle
Kay Boyle passed away on December 27, 1992, in Mill Valley, California.
View details1994
Activism
Death of Marjorie Stewart Joyner
Marjorie Stewart Joyner died of heart failure at her home on Chicago’s South Side at age 98.
View details2007
Politics
Assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi
Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi after a campaign rally, killed by gunfire and a suicide bombing as she left Liaquat National Bagh.
View details2011
Arts
Death of Helen Frankenthaler
Helen Frankenthaler passed away on December 27, 2011, in Darien, Connecticut.
View details2020
Sports
First Black woman to act as lead position coach in an NFL game
King acted as lead running backs coach in an NFL game, later recognized as a first for a Black woman in that role.
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