Hot Toddy Day
Hot Toddy Day is celebrated annually on January 11th as a tribute to the warm, soothing, and versatile cocktail that’s perfect for cold winter nights. The hot toddy is often associated with relaxation, comfort, and even as a traditional remedy for colds.
Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day
Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day is celebrated annually on January 11th to encourage people to learn how to represent their names in Morse code, a method of communication that uses sequences of dots (.) and dashes (-) to represent letters, numbers, and symbols. Morse code was developed in the early 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for telegraph communication. It’s still used today in aviation, maritime navigation, and by enthusiasts around the world.
Vision Board Day
Vision Board Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of January, making it a perfect opportunity to focus on your goals, dreams, and aspirations for the new year. This day encourages creativity, intentionality, and visualization as a way to inspire positive changes in your life. A vision board is a collage of images, words, and symbols that represent your goals and desires. It acts as a visual reminder to stay focused and motivated, helping you manifest your aspirations by keeping them top of mind.
Here’s a look at significant events, notable births, and deaths that occurred on July 11 throughout history.
Historical Events
1405 – Zheng He Sets Out on First Voyage
Chinese explorer and admiral Zheng He began his first voyage, commanding one of the largest fleets in history and promoting Chinese influence in Southeast Asia and beyond.
1804 – Alexander Hamilton Dies After Duel
Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, succumbed to injuries sustained in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr the previous day.
1893 – First Culture of Cholera Isolated
The first successful isolation of the cholera bacteria was made by the German bacteriologist Robert Koch, revolutionizing the understanding of the disease.
1921 – Former President William Howard Taft Sworn in as Chief Justice
William Howard Taft became the only person to serve as both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
1979 – Skylab Reenters Earth’s Atmosphere
NASA’s Skylab, the first American space station, reentered Earth’s atmosphere, scattering debris over the Indian Ocean and parts of Australia.
1995 – Srebrenica Massacre
The Bosnian Serb Army captured Srebrenica, leading to the genocide of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys, one of the worst atrocities in Europe since World War II.
2010 – Spain Wins FIFA World Cup
Spain won its first FIFA World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 1–0 in the final, with Andrés Iniesta scoring the decisive goal.
Notable Births
1274 – Robert the Bruce
King of Scotland (1306–1329) and a key figure in Scotland’s fight for independence from England.
1767 – John Quincy Adams
Sixth President of the United States (1825–1829) and a prominent diplomat and statesman.
1934 – Giorgio Armani
Renowned Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani brand.
1958 – Hugo Sánchez
Mexican football legend and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
1959 – Richie Sambora
American guitarist, songwriter, and member of the rock band Bon Jovi.
Notable Deaths
969 – Olga of Kyiv
Saint Olga of Kyiv, a ruler of Kievan Rus’ and one of the first rulers to convert to Christianity.
1804 – Alexander Hamilton
Founding Father of the United States, first Secretary of the Treasury, and architect of the U.S. financial system.
1937 – George Gershwin
American composer and pianist, known for works like Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess.
1989 – Sir Laurence Olivier
British actor and director, considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.
2021 – Charlie Robinson
American actor best known for his role as Mac Robinson on the sitcom Night Court.
