🗓️ On This Day - April 16th
April 16th has definitely been one for the record books! From pioneering flights to broken records and accidental experiments, there are lots to learn about this otherwise innocuous date! Happy birthday if you're celebrating today - and if not, keep reading for some facts about April 16th regardless!
On this day
Madame Tussaud passed away,
Madame Marie Tussaud, who founded a world-famous waxwork museum in London, died on this day in 1850 at the age of 89. Tussaud created wax figures of numerous celebrities and historical figures, and her museum remains a popular attraction today, with branches in several cities around the world! Have you ever been?
Harriet Quimby took to the skies!
Harriet Quimby made history in 1912 as the first female pilot to fly across the English Channel. She flew solo in a Blériot monoplane from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in just under an hour - now that’s fast! Quimby was a pioneer in aviation and helped pave the way for women in the field.
Annie got her gun.
On April 16th, 1922, Annie Oakley broke a women's shooting record by hitting 100 clay targets in a row without a miss. Oakley was a renowned sharpshooter and performer who became famous for her rifle skills and role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. You wouldn't want to face her at high noon!
Accidentally psychedelic!
On April 16th, 1943, Swiss chemist Dr. Albert Hofmann discovered the psychoactive properties of LSD while studying the properties of ergot fungus. He accidentally ingested a small amount of LSD and experienced psychedelic effects - a day to remember, then!
You remind me of a man…
In 2017, a huge gathering of Charlie Chaplin lookalikes broke a world record at the Manoir de Ban Chaplin museum in Switzerland! The event saw a total of 662 participants donning Chaplin's iconic outfit and mustache, surpassing the previous record of 250 people.
Kendrick Lamar won his first Pulitzer.
In 2018, Kendrick Lamar made history by becoming the first non-classical or jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. The rapper won the award for his album "Damn," which was praised for its socially and politically charged lyrics and innovative production.
Special Days Falling on April 16th
We have a few ideas about what to celebrate today - so if you’re feeling listless, here’s a few ideas of what to mark April 16th for.
Save the Elephant Day
Save the Elephant Day is observed annually on April 16th to raise awareness about the plight of elephants, their declining population due to poaching and habitat destruction, and to promote their conservation and welfare. It’s worth looking into causes today if you’re a big animal lover.
National Librarian Day
Sssh! Today is a great day to appreciate and recognize everything our librarians do. They’re knowledgeable, they’re resourceful, and - occasionally - they’ll let you speak while people are trying to read!!
National Orchid Day
With over 22,000 species, the orchid family is one of the largest flower families growing all over the world. National Orchid Day gives us an opportunity to learn about caring for these beautiful plants, and their vital role they play within our ecosystem.
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In April 1990, Nelson Mandela addressed a crowd of 72,000 people at Wembley Arena in London. It was his first public speech in the UK after his release from prison in South Africa. Mandela thanked the crowd for their support of the anti-apartheid movement and called for continued solidarity in the fight for equality and justice. He’d go on to be South Africa’s President, too!
Famous Birthdays on April 16th
Wilbur Wright, American aviator, born 1867
Charlie Chaplin, English actor, born 1889
Henry Mancini, American composer, born 1924
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, American sportsman, born 1947
Sadie Sink, American actress, born 2002
If you were born on April 16th…
Your astrological star sign is Aries. It’s a fire sign, and in the Western Zodiac, you’re represented by the ram. You’re headstrong, determined, and you genuinely care about the people you love. Other signs may find you a little fiery sometimes, but they love you all the same!
Check out our Aries fact file to learn more.
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