On this day

13 December in history.

5 moments from 1577 to 1962: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Title: Portrait of George Gershwin Abstract/medium: 1 photographic print : gelatin silver

1928

An American in Paris premieres. George Gershwin's jazz-influenced orchestral piece An American in Paris was first performed, at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Wikipedia: An American in Paris

Photo: Carl Van Vechten / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 13 December

  1. Francis Drake

    1577

    Francis Drake sets sail around the world

    Francis Drake set sail from Plymouth, England, on what became a voyage all the way around the world.

    Wikipedia: Francis DrakeWikipedia: Francis Drake's circumnavigation

    Photo: Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  2. Abel Janssen Tasman, Navigateur en Australie

    1642

    Abel Tasman sights New Zealand

    Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first recorded European to see New Zealand.

    Wikipedia: Abel Tasman

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. 1769

    Dartmouth College is founded

    Dartmouth College was established by royal charter in what is now Hanover, New Hampshire.

    Wikipedia: Dartmouth CollegeWikipedia: Eleazar Wheelock

  4. Artist's vision of NASA Relay 1 satellite

    1962

    Relay 1 goes into orbit

    NASA launched Relay 1, the first active repeater communications satellite in orbit.

    Wikipedia: Relay program

    Photo: user:NH2501 / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.