History Happened Today
History Happened Today is your daily five-minute journey into the moments that shaped our world. Each morning, we uncover a fascinating event that occurred on this exact date, sometimes famous, sometimes forgotten, always worth knowing. From breakthroughs and battles to inventions, discoveries, and the stories behind the people who made them, you’ll get a quick, engaging snapshot of history’s most interesting moments.
Perfect for your commute, your coffee break, or your daily dose of curiosity.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
On January 7, 1789, the United States began selecting its first president. This episode explores the quiet, unfamiliar process that launched the American presidency.
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
On January 6, 1981, Hill Street Blues premiered and rewrote the rules of television. This episode explores how one show reshaped storytelling forever.
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Monday Jan 05, 2026
On January 5, 1914, Ford Motor Company shocked the world by doubling workers’ pay. This episode explores the bold decision that reshaped modern work.
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
On January 4, 2004, NASA’s Spirit rover landed on Mars and kept going far longer than anyone imagined. This episode tells the story of the tiny robot that changed space exploration forever.
Saturday Jan 03, 2026
Saturday Jan 03, 2026
On January 3, 1957, the world’s first electric watch was unveiled, changing how humans measured time forever. This episode explores the invention that launched modern timekeeping.
Friday Jan 02, 2026
Friday Jan 02, 2026
On January 2, 1959, a small spacecraft called Luna 1 became the first human-made object to escape Earth’s gravity. This episode explores the accident that launched humanity into deep space.
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
On January 1, 1801, astronomers discovered Ceres—the first known asteroid and a new kind of world. This episode explores how a quiet observation reshaped our understanding of the solar system.
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison illuminated the world for the first time with electric light. This episode explores the night that transformed modern life and changed how humans live after dark.
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
On December 30, 1916, Rasputin was murdered in one of history’s most infamous assassinations. This episode explores the man, the myth, and the night that signaled the end of imperial Russia.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
On December 29, 1845, Texas officially became the 28th state of the United States. This episode explores how that decision reshaped American borders, politics, and history.