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100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service
On this date in 1916, the U.S. National Park Service was formed. Here are some things you may not have known about the national parks of the United States. If you remember our first, episode, back in March 2015, you’ll know that the first national park in the world was Yellowstone. The idea of national…
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Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
On this date in the year 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying several towns, most notably Pompeii. Here are some things you may not know about Vesuvius. There is disagreement over the exact date of the eruption. Some archaeologists argue that the evidence buried in Pompeii puts the eruption date as October 24, but traditionally the…
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No Show Today: Internet Connection Issues
Due to Internet connection issues, there won’t be an episode of the Trivia Minute today. We hope to have the situation resolved in time for tomorrow’s episode. Thanks for listening.
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Presidential Cars: White House on Wheels
On this date in 1902, Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to ride in an automobile in public. Here are some things you may not know about presidential cars. Roosevelt’s predecessor William McKinley was the first president to ride in a car, but apparently he did so in private. Roosevelt’s excursion took place during…
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Indianapolis: The World’s First Speedway
On this date in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway played host to its first auto race. Here are some things you may not have known about the Brickyard. The track is located inside Indianapolis, but not in Indianapolis. It’s located in a suburb called Speedway, Indiana, that is completely surrounded by the city of Indianapolis.…
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19th Amendment: Women’s Gain the Right to Vote
Today is the 96th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which gave women the right to vote. Here are some things you may not have known about the amendment. The first U.S. territory to grant women the right to vote was Wyoming in 1869, followed by…
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Campaign Memorabilia: Buttons, Bumper Stickers and More
Campaign memorabilia in the United States dates back to the beginning of American democracy. The first campaign buttons were actual buttons sewed on to clothing. Buttons were given out for George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. In 1828, Andrew Jackson became the first presidential candidate to aggressively use memorabilia as part of his campaign. Jackson,…
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Klondike Gold Rush: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
On this date in 1896, gold was discovered in a tributary of the Klondike River in the Yukon Territory of Canada. Here are some things you may not have known about the Klondike Gold Rush. George Carmack, an American prospector, was looking for gold with his wife, brother-in-law and a nephew near the Klondike…
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Woodstock: Three Days of Peace and Music
On this date in 1969, the Woodstock festival opened in upstate New York. Here are some things you may not have known about it. It wasn’t held in Woodstock. It was originally planned for Woodstock, but local residents balked at the idea, forcing the organizers to find another location. The city of Wallkill, New York,…
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“Wizard of Oz”: What You Don’t Know About a Classic
On this date in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Here are some things you may not have known about the landmark film. Many people incorrectly think it was the first film in color. The first color film was 1903’s hand colored “The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ.” The first feature…