History Happened Today

March 18: When the Mona Lisa Came to America

On March 18, 1964, the Mona Lisa arrived in the United States for a historic museum tour. This episode explores how a single painting captivated millions.

March 17: The Radioactive Tuna Scare

On March 17, 1954, fishermen in Japan discovered their tuna catch was radioactive after a U.S. hydrogen bomb test. This episode explores the Lucky Dragon incident.

March 16: The Nickel That Exposed a Spy Ring

On March 16, 1953, a cracked nickel revealed a hidden microfilm message and launched one of the FBI’s strangest Cold War investigations.

March 13: The Day a Dead Pope Was Put on Trial

On March 13, 897, the body of a former pope was dug up and placed on trial in Rome. This episode explores the bizarre Cadaver Synod.
 
 

March 12: The Day Soldiers Marched a Bridge Apart

A group of marching soldiers accidentally discovered a dangerous engineering phenomenon. Discover the story behind the Broughton Bridge collapse.

March 11: The 60-Second Art Heist

A smashed window, a stolen masterpiece, and a note mocking museum security. Discover the strange story behind the theft of The Scream.

March 10: The Day London Drowned in Beer

On March 10, 1814, a London brewery vat exploded, unleashing more than 300,000 gallons of beer into the streets. This episode explores one of the strangest disasters in history.

March 9: The Day Lawn Darts Were Banned

On March 9, 1988, the U.S. banned lawn darts after years of injuries. This episode explores how a backyard game became a national safety issue.

March 6: The Day America Dropped Nukes on Spain

On March 6, 1966, the U.S. recovered a nuclear bomb it had accidentally dropped on Spain. This episode explores one of the Cold War’s most shocking mistakes.

March 5: When Texas Was Attacked by Intoxicated Birds

On March 5, 1954, birds began falling from the sky in Texas. The cause? Fermented berries. This episode explores one of history’s strangest wildlife incidents.