1264day.year
The Statute of Kalisz, guaranteeing Jews safety and personal liberties and giving battei din jurisdiction over Jewish matters, is promulgated by Bolesław the Pious, Duke of Greater Poland.
The Statute of Kalisz, enacted by Duke Bolesław the Pious, grants Jewish communities legal protections and autonomy in Greater Poland.
On September 8, 1264, Duke Bolesław the Pious of Greater Poland promulgated the Statute of Kalisz, one of the earliest European charters safeguarding Jewish rights.
The statute guaranteed Jews personal safety, freedom to conduct business, and established Jewish courts (battei din) for internal legal matters.
It forbade violence, property seizures, and provided legal recourse in cases of dispute with Christians.
This landmark charter fostered a relatively stable and prosperous Jewish community in Poland for centuries.
Its progressive approach to religious tolerance influenced later European legal traditions.
The Statute of Kalisz remains a significant milestone in the history of Jewish-European relations.
1264
Statute of Kalisz
battei din
Bolesław the Pious
1819day.year
1819 Balloon riot occurred at Vauxhall Garden in Philadelphia, PA and resulted in the destruction of the amusement park.
The 1819 Balloon Riot at Philadelphia’s Vauxhall Garden erupted into destructive violence after a hot-air balloon exhibition panicked the crowd.
On September 8, 1819, a crowd gathered at Philadelphia’s Vauxhall Garden for a hot-air balloon exhibition.
Panic ensued when the balloon’s sudden descent alarmed spectators.
Misunderstanding rumors spread, leading to a violent riot.
Vandals set fire to buildings and destroyed the amusement park grounds.
The chaos ended only after militia intervention restored order.
The Balloon Riot became a cautionary tale of early American mass entertainment.
1819
1819 Balloon riot
1916day.year
In a bid to prove that women were capable of serving as military dispatch riders, Augusta and Adeline Van Buren arrive in Los Angeles, completing a 60-day, 5,500 mile cross-country trip on motorcycles.
Augusta and Adeline Van Buren complete a pioneering 5,500-mile motorcycle journey to prove women's suitability as military dispatch riders.
On September 8, 1916, sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren arrived in Los Angeles after a 60-day, 5,500-mile cross-country motorcycle trip. They embarked on their journey from New York City to demonstrate that women could serve as military dispatch riders. Along the route, they faced mechanical breakdowns, rough terrain, and social skepticism but persevered to complete the challenging expedition. Despite presenting their achievement to the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the sisters were ultimately denied enlistment due to prevailing gender norms. Their bold expedition inspired future generations of female motorcyclists and highlighted early efforts toward gender equality in military service.
1916
Augusta and Adeline Van Buren
1921day.year
Margaret Gorman, a 16-year-old, wins the Atlantic City Pageant's Golden Mermaid trophy; pageant officials later dubbed her the first Miss America.
Sixteen-year-old Margaret Gorman wins the inaugural Atlantic City pageant and is later recognized as the first Miss America.
On September 8, 1921, Margaret Gorman of Washington, D.C., won the Golden Mermaid trophy at the Atlantic City Pageant. Originally designed to promote tourism and celebrate American beauty ideals, the event featured young women showcasing poise and physical fitness. Gorman's performance impressed judges, and she was later retroactively designated as the first Miss America. Her victory launched a cultural phenomenon that evolved into a national pageant combining beauty, talent, and scholarship. Over the years, Miss America grew into a lasting American institution, reflecting evolving views on women's social roles and empowerment.
1921
Margaret Gorman
Miss America
1952day.year
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation makes its first televised broadcast on the second escape of the Boyd Gang.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation airs its first television broadcast, covering the dramatic escape of the Boyd Gang.
On September 8, 1952, the CBC made its inaugural television broadcast, choosing to cover the sensational second escape of Toronto’s notorious Boyd Gang.
Viewers were captivated by live updates of the daring breakout led by jailbreak king Arthur “the Monk” Lucas and his accomplices.
This broadcast marked a milestone in Canadian media, transitioning from radio to the growing medium of television.
The gripping real-time coverage set a precedent for future news reporting and crime documentaries.
The event showcased television’s power to bring dramatic stories into living rooms and cemented CBC’s role in national broadcasting.
1952
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Boyd Gang
1975day.year
Gays in the military: US Air Force Tech Sergeant Leonard Matlovich, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, appears in his Air Force uniform on the cover of Time magazine with the headline "I Am A Homosexual". He is given a general discharge, later upgraded to honorable.
Vietnam veteran Leonard Matlovich appeared on the cover of Time magazine in his Air Force uniform under the headline "I Am A Homosexual" on September 8, 1975.
Tech Sergeant Leonard Matlovich, a decorated pilot and Purple Heart recipient, publicly declared his homosexuality to challenge the U.S. military’s ban on gay service members. His appearance on Time’s cover brought the issue into the national spotlight and sparked fierce debate over civil rights and military policy. Matlovich was subsequently given a general discharge, which was later upgraded to honorable after years of legal battles. His courageous stand paved the way for future activism that ultimately led to policy changes, including 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and later full repeal of bans on open service. Matlovich’s legacy endures as a symbol of the struggle for LGBTQ inclusion in the armed forces and broader society.
1975
Gays in the military
Leonard Matlovich