What happened on January 15 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The British Museum opens
The British Museum, renowned as one of the world’s most comprehensive repositories of human history and culture, first opened to the public, setting a new standard for accessibility and scholarship.
- The museum was established through the bequest of Sir Hans Sloane, whose vast collection of books, manuscripts, artifacts, and natural specimens became its foundation.
- Opened on January 15, 1759, it became one of the first public national museums, welcoming visitors to explore its treasures without charge.
- Over the centuries, the museum has grown to house over 8 million objects, including iconic artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles, symbolizing its role as a guardian of world history.
"The Beast" is arrested in Sicily, Italy
The arrest of Salvatore “Toto” Riina marked a turning point in Italy’s fight against the Mafia, ending a 23-year-long manhunt for one of its most feared leaders.
- Riina, head of the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra), orchestrated a reign of violence that included the murders of anti-Mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.
- Italian authorities arrested Riina on January 15, 1993, in Palermo. His capture dealt a significant blow to organized crime in Sicily.
- Riina's downfall weakened the Mafia’s dominance and emboldened the Italian government to intensify efforts against organized crime.
U.S. Airways Flight 1549 makes an emergency landing in the Hudson River
Dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson,” US Airways Flight 1549’s emergency landing showcased exceptional piloting skills and became a symbol of survival against all odds.
- Shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, the plane struck a flock of geese, disabling both engines. With no time to return to the airport, Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger decided to land in the Hudson River.
- The Airbus A320 was expertly ditched in the freezing waters of the Hudson, with all 155 passengers and crew surviving due to Sully’s calm leadership and swift rescue efforts.
The first Super Bowl is played in Los Angeles, California
The first-ever Super Bowl, a championship game uniting two rival football leagues, laid the groundwork for what would become the biggest annual sporting event in the United States.
- On January 15, 1967, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10 in the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, later called the Super Bowl.
- The event marked the beginning of the AFL-NFL merger, creating a unified football league and sparking interest in professional football nationwide.