Happy Friday everyone!

Techies are in for a treat today. Whether it’s the granting of Carl Magee’s patent for the “Park-O-Meter,” the sending of the first telegraph, or the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, a lot of neat stuff made it into the history books today. 

Here’s everything that happened 

🏛️1689: The Toleration Act Passed by the British Parliament

This landmark act allowed freedom of worship for nonconformists, aka those who did not follow the Church of England and who had previously faced persecution. It led to greater religious diversity, reduced the dominance of the Church of England, and paved the way for a more pluralistic society by recognizing the rights of Protestant dissenters.

🚢1917: British Naval Convoy System Introduced

During World War I, Britain introduced the naval convoy system to protect merchant ships from German U-boat attacks. By grouping ships and escorting them with naval vessels, losses were significantly reduced, maintaining supply lines and bolstering the Allied war effort, contributing to the Allies' success.

🌉1833: Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the oldest suspension bridges in the U.S. this feat of engineering connected Manhattan and Brooklyn, significantly improving transportation and commerce. By providing a reliable route for people and goods across the East River, it spurred economic growth, urban expansion, and the development of Brooklyn, contributing to New York City's rise as a major metropolitan center.

🅿️1938: Carl Magee of Oklahoma Granted a Patent for the First Coin-Controlled Parking Meter

The "Park-O-Meter" was invented to address urban parking congestion by requiring coins for timed vehicle stays. This innovation revolutionized parking management, helping cities control space usage, reduce traffic jams, and generate revenue. Today, these parking meters are seen all over the world in some form or another, though many have gone digital.

📡1844: Samuel Morse Demonstrated the Telegraph

Samuel Morse sent the first official telegraph message, "What hath God wrought," from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore. This event marked the beginning of long-distance communication, revolutionizing information transmission and impacting commerce, journalism, and personal communication, laying the groundwork for global connectivity. Read more about the history of communication in: Who Invented the Telegraph? Revolutionizing Global Communication. 

⚔️1856: A Group of Abolitionists Launched a Raid on a Proslavery Settlement

Led by John Brown, this violent raid resulted in five deaths and was a significant event during the "Bleeding Kansas" conflict. It highlighted the intense national strife over slavery and escalated the tensions that eventually led to the American Civil War. Read more in: Bleeding Kansas: When, Where and Why Did it Happen?

🏥1943: Auschwitz Got a New Doctor: “The Angel of Death”

Dr. Josef Mengele, a German SS officer and physician, began his tenure at Auschwitz concentration camp. Infamous for his brutal experiments on prisoners, including children and twins, Mengele conducted these under the guise of scientific research. His actions caused immense suffering and countless deaths, making him one of history's most notorious war criminals and exemplifying Nazi medical abuses.

💥1951: The Fourth Test of Operation Greenhouse Conducted

Taking place at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific, the "George" test introduced the concept of thermonuclear weapons, or hydrogen bombs, which use fusion to produce more powerful explosions than atomic bombs. This test pushed the boundaries of atomic research and marked a landmark moment in the Cold War arms race. The success of "George" led to advancements in nuclear technology, impacting global military strategy and international relations.

🎤1956: The First Eurovision Song Contest Was Held

In Lugano, Switzerland, the first Eurovision Song Contest was held on this day in 1956, bringing together seven countries to compete in a televised music competition: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Switzerland emerged as the inaugural winner, setting the stage for decades of cultural exchange and musical celebration across Europe.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1819: Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom

Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837 and ruled until her death in 1901. Her lengthy reign, known as the Victorian era, oversaw significant social, political, and economic transformations, leaving an indelible mark on British history and culture.

1941: Bob Dylan, Legendary Musician

Legendary singer-songwriter and Nobel laureate known for his influence on popular music and culture.

1945: Priscilla Presley, Actress and Businesswoman

Former wife of Elvis Presley and a notable figure in entertainment and business.

1949: Jim Broadbent, British Actor

Jim Broadbent is renowned for his versatility and memorable performances across film, television, and stage. Throughout his career, Broadbent has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for his role in "Iris."

💔Died on This Day in History

1543: Nicolaus Copernicus, Polish Astronomer

Nicolaus Copernicus, revolutionized astronomy with his heliocentric theory, placing the Sun at the center of the universe.

1879: William Lloyd Garrison, US Editor, Writer, and Abolitionist

William Lloyd Garrison dedicated his life to advocating for the abolition of slavery through his newspaper, "The Liberator," and his uncompromising stance on moral principles, leaving a lasting impact on the anti-slavery movement in America.

2023: Tina Turner, American-Born Singer

Known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," Turner captivated audiences with her powerful voice and electrifying performances.