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.

Neville Chamberlain, in a colorized photo, raising the Munich Agreement.

September 30, 1938: Neville Chamberlain and the Munich Agreement – ‘Peace In Our Time’

#OTD20 — September 30, 1938: 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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A colorized photograph of an old and frail President Woodrow Wilson, covered in a blanket, riding in a vehicle.

September 25, 1919: Woodrow Wilson Incapacitated

#OTD20 | September 25, 1919 Woodrow Wilson’s Debilitating Stroke: A Secret Crisis in American Governance September 25, 1919: President Woodrow Wilson collapses while in Colorado, rallying public support for the League of Nations. The president is rushed back to Washington.

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Colorized photo of Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine, walking alone through a hostile mob during the desegregation of Central High School in 1957.

September 24, 1957: Ike Orders Federal Troops into Little Rock

#OTD20 —On September 23, 1957: President Eisenhower orders federal troops into Little Rock, Arkansas to ensure the integration of Central High School.

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Richard Nixon on a vintage TV screen with static, delivering the Checkers speech.

September 23, 1952: Nixon’s Checkers Speech

#OTD20 — September 23, 1952: Explore the enduring legacy of Richard Nixon’s 1952 Checkers speech, a moment that changed American politics forever.

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Miners from the 1913 Colorado Coalfield War, some armed, in a colorized photo.

September 23, 1913: Colorado Coalfield War begins

#OTD20 — September 23, 1952: A strike by miners in the Colorado coalfields leads to a violent, year-long conflict known as the Colorado Coalfield War. Explore its origins, key events, and lasting impact.

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Stylized American flag and the text 'Peace Corps' embedded on a light blue rustic metal background.

September 22, 1961: The Peace Corps is Created

#OTD20 — September 22, 1961: President Kennedy’s vision comes to life with the establishment of the Peace Corps, igniting an era of global volunteerism and outreach.

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Mao Zedong speaking at the podium

September 21, 1949: Mao Zedong Declares People’s Republic of China

#OTD20 — September 21, 1949: Mao Zedong makes the historic proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, transforming the balance of geopolitical power in the Cold War.

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Colorized photo, from original black and white, of James Meredith flanked by civil rights attorneys Constance Motley and Jack Greenberg

September 20, 1962: James Meredith Blocked at Ole Miss

#OTD20 — September20, 1962: James Meredith attempts to register at the University of Mississippi but is obstructed by Governor Ross Barnett. Barnett’s defiant act directly challenges a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and sets the stage for a federal intervention.

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September 18, 1947: The CIA is Born

#OTD20 — September 18, 1947: The Central Intelligence Agency comes into existence, authorized by National Security Act of 1947.

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a propaganda-style poster featuring Adolph Hitler and Josef Stalin

September 17, 1939: Soviet Union Invades Poland

#OTD20 — September 17, 1939: Forces from the Russian army invade Poland, coming on the heels of the German invasion just two weeks earlier. The offensive effectively splits Poland in two.

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Uncle Sam pointing finger implying "I want you"

September 16, 1940: U.S. Introduces Military Draft

#OTD20 — September 16, 1940: A military draft is introduced, marking a critical step in America’s preparation for World War II.

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a photo montage of four young African American girls

September 15, 1963: Birmingham Church Bombing

#OTD20 — September 15, 1963: a bomb explodes at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama killing four young girls: Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair.

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