October 11

In 1614, the Dutch merchants of the New Netherland Company sought a monopoly from the States General to trade in fur, timber, and other commodities along the North American coast. The application targeted the area that would later become New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company's petition reflected fierce competition among European powers for colonial markets and resources. While initially granted limited permission, the Dutch crown later expanded these rights under the Dutch West India Company. These early charters laid the foundations for the thriving settlements of New Amsterdam. The move underscored the strategic importance of Atlantic trade in the 17th century.

On October 11, 2001, the Polaroid Corporation announced it was filing for federal bankruptcy protection in the United States. Once an innovator in instant camera technology, Polaroid faced steep revenue losses as digital photography gained popularity. The company sought to reorganize its debts and business operations under Chapter 11 to stay afloat. Polaroid’s filing marked a turning point for the imaging industry and foreshadowed challenges for other film-based businesses. Following restructuring, the brand changed ownership and shifted focus toward licensing, marking the end of an era for analog instant film.