#OTD20 logo with calendar icon and the words "On This Day: 20th Century"

Introducing the #OTD20 Series

Journey Through the 20th Century, One Day at a Time

We're excited to announce a brand new mini-feature on our website: the #OTD20 Series. 'OTD' is 'On This Day,' and each day we'll take you back through the twentieth century to chronicle a significant event.

What to Expect from the #OTD20 Series

Several times each week, we'll feature a new post that explores a noteworthy moment from the past. From the signing of pivotal legislation to the rise and fall of world leaders to groundbreaking achievements in sports, science, and the arts, the #OTD20 series is designed to both educate and engage. Each post includes:

  • A concise, well-researched blog post
  • A classroom-appropriate video short
  • A social media post to share the knowledge far and wide.
  • Links to additional resources for further research or reading.

Why #OTD20?

In an era overwhelmed by information, knowing our history is more critical than ever. #OTD20 aims to make history accessible and relevant, providing context to our present day. It's perfect for educators looking for classroom kick-offs, history buffs wanting to deepen their knowledge, or anyone interested in learning something new every day.

How to Follow Along

The easiest way to keep up with #OTD20 is to bookmark our dedicated #OTD20 home page, where all our posts will be curated. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram where daily updates will be shared.

Join Us

We invite you to join us on this journey through history. Whether you're a teacher, student, or just someone who loves history, there's something here for everyone.

Let’s rediscover our past, one day at a time.

#OTD20

Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.

President Harry Truman, on the left, presenting the Medal of Honor to a uniformed Private Desmond Doss, on the right, amidst an audience in an outdoor setting.

October 12, 1945: The Conscientious Objector Who Became a War Hero

#OTD20 — October 12, 1945: Private Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector, is awarded the Medal of Honor for his unparalleled bravery during World War II.

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Mother Jones seated at a desk with an open book, circa 1910-1915.

October 11, 1936: Mother Jones Memorial Dedicated

#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.

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Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in a tense exchange during the Reykjavik summit.

October 10, 1986: Reagan and Gorbachev at the Reykjavik Summit

#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.

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President Kennedy, seated at a desk, signs the ratified Test Ban Treaty, surrounded by a group of lawmakers.

October 7, 1963: President Kennedy Signs Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

#OTD20 — October 7, 1963: President Kennedy signs the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, prohibiting nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, or in space.

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Professor Anita Hill testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991.

October 6, 1991: Anita Hill Allegations Emerge: A Pivotal Moment for the Supreme Court and the Nation

#OTD20 — October 6, 1991: Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment against Clarence Thomas shake the nation.

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Colorized photograph of two biplanes in aerial combat over Reims, France, circa 1914.

October 5, 1914: First Aerial Combat Victory Ushers in New Age in Military Strategy

The Sputnik launch marks the beginning of the space age and the U.S.-Soviet space race. Dive into this #OTD20 event with Media Rich Learning.

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Composite image of Sputnik replica orbiting Earth.

October 4, 1957: Sputnik Launch Ignites the Space Race

The Sputnik launch marks the beginning of the space age and the U.S.-Soviet space race. Dive into this #OTD20 event with Media Rich Learning.

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Colorized photo of Warsaw civilians being forcibly expelled by armed German soldiers, 1944.

October 2, 1944: Warsaw Uprising – Remembering Poland’s Fierce Resistance

#OTD20 — October 2, 1944: After 63 days of intense fighting, the Warsaw Uprising ends with the surrender of Polish insurgents.

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Dusty military convoy crossing a bridge with a "38th parallel" sign in the foreground.

September 29, 1950: Reaching the 38th Parallel in Korea

#OTD20 — September 29, 1950: Exploring the day U.S.-led troops reached the 38th parallel—the dividing line between North and South Korea—during the Korean War.

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Alexander Fleming in his laboratory examing Petri dishes.

September 28, 1928: Alexander Fleming and the Discovery of Penicillin

#OTD20 — September 28, 1928: Learn more about Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic and a revolutionary medical breakthrough.

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Colorized image of Lee Harvey Oswald in handcuffs, escorted by law enforcement officers.

September 27, 1964: Warren Report — Solving or Complicating JFK’s Assassination?

#OTD20 — September 27, 1964: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain believes war with German has been averted, declaring the Munich Agreement affords “peace in our time.”

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Split screen TV image of the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate, Nixon in Los Angeles and Kennedy in New York.

September 26, 1960: The First Televised Presidential Debate

#OTD20 — September 26, 1960: the first-ever televised presidential debate took place between Kennedy and Nixon, reshaping American politics and the role of television in it.

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