Apple Dumpling Day
Apple Dumpling Day is celebrated annually on September 17th, honoring the classic dessert made by baking apples wrapped in dough and often served with a sweet syrup or sauce. This comforting dish is especially popular in the fall, when apples are in season, and is enjoyed for its warm, homey flavors.
Smithsonian Day
Smithsonian Day is observed annually on September 17th in celebration of the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The day honors the rich history, cultural significance, and scientific contributions of the Smithsonian’s museums and research centers. The Smithsonian Institution was founded on August 10, 1846, following a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who left his fortune to the United States to create an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
Here are some notable historical events that occurred on September 17:
Significant Historical Events:
Signing of the U.S. Constitution (1787):
On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed by delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. This document established the framework of the U.S. government and is considered one of the most significant events in American history. The day is now commemorated as Constitution Day in the United States.
Battle of Antietam (1862):
The Battle of Antietam took place on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The battle, fought in Maryland, ended in a tactical draw, but it provided President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Formation of the American Professional Football Association (1920):
On September 17, 1920, the American Professional Football Association (APFA) was formed in Canton, Ohio. Two years later, the APFA changed its name to the National Football League (NFL), which has since become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.
Operation Market Garden (1944):
During World War II, on September 17, 1944, the Allies launched Operation Market Garden, an ambitious military operation aimed at capturing key bridges in the Netherlands to establish a direct route into Germany. Despite early successes, the operation ultimately failed and is remembered for its heavy losses.
CBS Television Network’s First Broadcast (1928):
The Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) made its first broadcast on September 17, 1928. Originally a radio network, CBS would go on to become one of the largest television networks in the United States, shaping American media and culture.
Camp David Accords Signed (1978):
The Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, were signed on September 17, 1978. The negotiations, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, led to the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country, earning Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin the Nobel Peace Prize.
Voyager I Reaches Saturn (1980):
On September 17, 1980, the Voyager I spacecraft made its closest approach to Saturn, capturing stunning images of the planet and its rings. This mission contributed significantly to our understanding of the outer solar system.
Significant Birthdays:
Anne Bancroft (1931–2005):
An American actress known for her powerful performances in films like The Graduate (1967), where she played Mrs. Robinson, and The Miracle Worker (1962), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Bancroft is considered one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
Hank Williams (1923–1953):
A legendary American country music singer-songwriter, Hank Williams is one of the most influential figures in country music history. Known for songs like Your Cheatin’ Heart and I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, his music shaped the sound of modern country and remains popular today.
Kyle Chandler (1965–Present):
An American actor best known for his role as Coach Eric Taylor on the critically acclaimed TV series Friday Night Lights. Chandler also starred in Bloodline and has appeared in films like Manchester by the Sea and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Alexander Ovechkin (1985–Present):
A Russian professional ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Ovechkin is a longtime captain of the Washington Capitals and led the team to its first-ever Stanley Cup Championship in 2018.
Baz Luhrmann (1962–Present):
An Australian filmmaker, director, and screenwriter known for his highly stylized films, such as Romeo + Juliet (1996), Moulin Rouge! (2001), and The Great Gatsby (2013). His work is characterized by its bold visuals and modern interpretations of classic stories.
David S. Bagley (1883–1960):
A U.S. Navy Admiral who served with distinction in both World Wars. Bagley played key roles in naval operations and held several important commands throughout his career.
Jimmie Johnson (1975–Present):
An American professional race car driver, Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time.
Significant Deaths:
Spiro Agnew (1918–1996):
Vice President of the United States under Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. Agnew resigned from office in 1973 after being charged with tax evasion and money laundering, making him the second U.S. Vice President to resign.
Red Skelton (1913–1997):
Beloved American comedian, actor, and radio/television star, Red Skelton was known for his popular comedy show, The Red Skelton Show, which ran for two decades. His comedic style and characters made him a favorite among audiences during the mid-20th century.
Diane Fossey (1932–1985):
Although she is most famous for her work with mountain gorillas and her conservation efforts, Dian Fossey died on September 17, 1985, in Rwanda. Fossey was a pioneering primatologist and conservationist whose life and tragic murder inspired the film Gorillas in the Mist.
Felix Bloch (1905–1983):
A Swiss-American physicist, Bloch shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1952 with Edward Purcell for their development of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a technique that laid the groundwork for MRI machines used in medical diagnostics.
Ken Kesey (1935–2001):
An American novelist, best known for his novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962). Kesey was also a prominent figure in the countercultural movement of the 1960s, blending literary achievement with participation in the era’s psychedelic revolution.
Tennessee Ernie Ford (1919–1991):
An American singer and television host, known for his deep bass-baritone voice and hits like Sixteen Tons, a song that became a classic during the 1950s. Ford was also a pioneer in early television variety shows.
