July 28

On July 28, 1911, Douglas Mawson and his team embarked on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition aboard the research vessel SY Aurora, setting sail from London for Commonwealth Bay. The expedition aimed to chart uncharted stretches of the Antarctic coastline, collect meteorological and magnetic data, and study the region's unique wildlife and geology. Upon arrival, the team established base stations and endured extreme conditions, including katabatic winds that tested their endurance and scientific instruments. Despite the loss of two comrades, Mawson and his companions completed significant scientific work, gathering specimens and observations that advanced glaciology and oceanography. The expedition's findings vastly expanded the world's understanding of Antarctica and laid the groundwork for future polar research efforts.

Designed by Boeing to fulfill a 1934 U.S. Army requirement, the XB-17 prototype took to the air on July 28, 1935, in Seattle. Featuring four radial engines and advanced defensive armament, it promised long-range bombing capability. Early flight tests demonstrated stability, endurance, and heavy payload capacity. Modifications over the following years refined its performance. Entering service in 1938, the B-17 would become renowned for its durability in daylight bombing raids over Europe. Its rugged design and defensive firepower earned it the nickname “Flying Fortress.” The aircraft played a crucial role in shaping strategic bombing doctrine during World War II.

During an excavation led by Basil Brown under the patronage of Edith Pretty, laborers uncovered a decorated iron and bronze helmet at the Sutton Hoo ship burial site in Suffolk, England. The find, dating to the early 7th century, featured intricate animal motifs and ornamental panels. It provided the first evidence of the wealth and craftsmanship of the Anglo-Saxon elite. Once reconstructed, the Sutton Hoo helmet became emblematic of early medieval art in Britain. Its discovery reshaped understanding of post-Roman English history and influenced archaeological methods. Today, the helmet is a centerpiece of the British Museum’s Anglo-Saxon collection and continues to inspire scholars and visitors worldwide.

On July 28, 1996, the skeletal remains of a prehistoric human were discovered along the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington. Dubbed the 'Kennewick Man', radiocarbon dating placed the remains at more than 9,000 years old. The find sparked a landmark legal and scientific dispute over the study and repatriation of ancient human remains. Genetic analyses later provided insights into early migration patterns of the Americas’ first inhabitants. The discovery challenged prevailing theories about the peopling of North America. Kennewick Man remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in the United States.