1748day.year
The first Lutheran denomination in North America, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, is founded in Philadelphia.
In 1748, Lutheran pastors in Pennsylvania founded the Pennsylvania Ministerium in Philadelphia, the first organized Lutheran body in North America.
Amid growing German immigration to the American colonies, Lutheran congregations sought unity and shared governance. On August 26, 1748, clergy in Philadelphia established the Pennsylvania Ministerium, formalizing Lutheran practice and doctrine in North America. The new body set standards for liturgy, pastoral education, and church administration, strengthening ties among scattered congregations. It provided mutual support for ministers and congregants adapting to frontier life and religious diversity. Over time, the Ministerium influenced the formation of additional synods and contributed to the spread of Lutheranism across the burgeoning United States. Its founding represented a key moment in colonial religious history and the establishment of denominational identity in America.
1748
Lutheran
Pennsylvania Ministerium
Philadelphia
1789day.year
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is approved by the National Constituent Assembly of France.
In 1789, France’s National Constituent Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, a foundational human rights charter.
On August 26, 1789, the French National Constituent Assembly formally approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, it proclaimed universal rights such as liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression. The declaration abolished feudal privileges and established the principle of equality before the law. Its bold assertions influenced revolutionary movements and constitutional developments across Europe and the Americas. The document remains a cornerstone of modern human rights discourse and continues to shape democratic constitutions worldwide.
1789
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
1970day.year
The fiftieth anniversary of American women being able to vote is marked by a nationwide Women's Strike for Equality.
The nationwide Women's Strike for Equality was held in the United States on August 26, 1970, marking 50 years since American women gained the right to vote.
Organized by the National Organization for Women, the Women's Strike for Equality saw thousands march in cities across the U.S. to demand equal opportunities in employment, education, and politics.
Participants called for legal reforms, equal pay, and affordable childcare, highlighting ongoing gender disparities despite the achievement of suffrage.
In New York City alone, some 50,000 people gathered for rallies, marches, and public demonstrations.
Media coverage amplified the movement's message and helped spur later legislative changes, including Title IX and the Equal Rights Amendment debates.
The strike cemented the emerging second wave of feminism and remains a landmark moment in the fight for gender equality.
1970
Women's Strike for Equality
2009day.year
Kidnapping victim Jaycee Dugard is discovered alive in California after being missing for over 18 years. Her captors, Phillip and Nancy Garrido are apprehended.
After 18 years in captivity, Jaycee Dugard was found alive on August 26, 2009, ending one of the longest kidnapping odysseys in American history.
Jaycee Lee Dugard disappeared at age 11 in 1991 and remained missing for nearly two decades. On August 26, 2009, police discovered her living in a secluded backyard in Antioch, California, under the control of Phillip and Nancy Garrido. During her captivity, Dugard gave birth to two daughters fathered by her abductor. The case exposed significant lapses by law enforcement and foster care agencies that failed to follow leads. Prosecutors charged the Garridos with kidnapping, rape, and false imprisonment; both later pleaded guilty. The rescue spurred nationwide debates on missing persons investigations, victim support, and the need for systemic reforms. Dugard's memoir and advocacy work brought attention to the long-term impacts of trauma and the importance of survivor rights.
2009
Jaycee Dugard
2014day.year
The Jay Report into the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal is published.
The Jay Report into the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal was published on August 26, 2014, exposing widespread abuse and institutional failures.
Commissioned by South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the Jay Report detailed decades of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, England. Journalist Louise Casey's investigation revealed that at least 1,400 girls were abused between 1997 and 2013, predominantly by gangs of men of Pakistani heritage. The report criticized local authorities, police, and social services for failing to act due to fears of being labelled racist and bureaucratic indifference. Public outrage led to the resignation of key officials, criminal prosecutions, and a nationwide review of child protection policies. The case sparked debates on cultural sensitivities, safeguarding practices, and the importance of listening to victims. Its publication marked a turning point in the UK's approach to tackling child abuse and improving oversight of vulnerable children.
2014
Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal
2015day.year
Two U.S. journalists are shot and killed by a disgruntled former coworker while conducting a live report in Moneta, Virginia.
On August 26, 2015, two journalists were shot and killed live on air by a former coworker during a broadcast in Moneta, Virginia.
Alison Parker and Adam Ward, reporters for WDBJ-TV, were interviewing a local tourism official at Smith Mountain Lake when a disgruntled ex-employee opened fire. The attack was broadcast live, horrifying viewers as gunshots rang out and the victims collapsed on camera. The station's photographer was wounded, and the assailant later died by suicide after a police pursuit. The incident prompted urgent discussions on news crew safety, workplace violence prevention, and mental health supports for employees. It also led broadcasters to reconsider live streaming protocols to protect journalists. Communities across the nation mourned the loss and remembered Parker and Ward’s dedication to storytelling and public service.
2015
shot and killed
Moneta, Virginia
2018day.year
Three people are killed and eleven wounded during a mass shooting at a Madden NFL '19 video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.
Three people were killed and eleven wounded during a mass shooting at a Madden NFL '19 tournament in Jacksonville, Florida on August 26, 2018.
Competitors and fans gathered at the Jacksonville Landing entertainment venue for a regional Madden NFL '19 esports tournament when a gunman opened fire inside the crowded arcade. Panicked attendees sought cover as bullets shattered screens and echoes of gunfire filled the building. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, fatally shooting the shooter outside the venue and ending the attack. The tragedy marked one of the first mass shootings at a video game event, sending shockwaves through the rapidly growing esports community. The incident spurred tournament organizers and venues to enhance security measures, including bag checks, metal detectors, and increased on-site patrols. Discussions on public safety at gaming events intensified, highlighting the need to protect both participants and spectators.
2018
mass shooting
Madden NFL '19
Jacksonville, Florida
2023day.year
Exactly 5 years after the 2018 Jacksonville Landing shooting, there is another shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, leaving 3 people dead.
Exactly five years after the 2018 Jacksonville Landing shooting, another shooting in Jacksonville, Florida on August 26, 2023, left three people dead.
On the anniversary of the 2018 mass shooting, a gunman opened fire in a busy area of Jacksonville, reigniting grief in a city still recovering from its earlier tragedy. Three victims lost their lives as panicked bystanders scrambled for cover. Police arrested the suspect at the scene, preventing further harm. Investigators examined potential motives and any links to the previous incident but found no direct connection. The renewed outbreak of violence prompted calls from local leaders for stronger gun control measures and expanded mental health resources. Community organizations held vigils to honor the victims and support those traumatized by the recurring bloodshed. The shooting highlighted ongoing challenges in preventing gun violence and maintaining public safety in communal spaces.
2023
Jacksonville Landing shooting
another shooting
Jacksonville, Florida