#OTD The U.S. Constitution reads, "The Congress shall have power…to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries…" Nancy Johnson took advantage of this sweet provision on September 9, 1843, who was issued patent #3254 for her [...]

Ideas Change The World, by Daniel Sheridan Wars usually make the news, and war movies dominate cinema. That's because they are "exciting." Bullets zipping across the battlefield and men storming the beaches of Normandy inspire thrilling musical scores. But ideas, unlike war, are born of contemplation, mature through discussion, and ultimately make lasting change. #OTD, [...]

On this day, August 2, 1923, the first President elected by women died in office, and the Vice President took the oath by the light of a kerosene lamp. By Daniel Sheridan

#OTD, July 31, 1790, the very first American patent, which George Washington signed, was issued to Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash, an ingredient used in fertilizer.  Abraham Lincoln believed that the invention of the printing press, the discovery of America, and the American patent system brought about the most significant advances in [...]

#OTD, July 30, 1619, the first legislative body chosen by the people met in Virginia, which marks the birthday of America's free institutions. Posted by Daniel Sheridan

#OTD, June 9, 1781, a man was born whose world-changing invention built America. In the 1830s, the world began progressing technologically at unprecedented levels through the efforts of inventors busily applying their talents for humanity’s sake. One revolutionized travel, helped build America, and expanded narrow minds as a by-product. Here’s the story.  In 1807, Bostonians [...]

#OTD, July 9, 1776, General George Washington orders that the Declaration of Independence is to be read to the troops.  General Orders, 9 July 1776...Head Quarters, New York... ...The Honorable the Continental Congress, impelled by the dictates of duty, policy, and necessity, having been pleased to dissolve the Connection which subsisted between this Country, and [...]

#OTD, July 8, 1889, the “Wall Street Journal” begins publishing. “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech or of the press...” #FirstAmendment Sir William Blackstone said, “Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public.” Freedom of speech is essential in a society, for free debate leads to [...]

However, it was #OTD, June 28th, 1776, a committee consisting of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston presented the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Congress. To best celebrate that day, we should try to put ourselves in our founder's shoes. What were they doing when they signed their names [...]

Captain John Barry: An American-Irish Naval Hero and “Father of the American Navy” – By Daniel Sheridan On June 27, 1963, President John F. Kennedy laid a wreath at the memorial to the Revolutionary War hero, John Barry, of Wexford, on the first full day of his visit to Ireland. Who is John Barry? The [...]