December 17: Fun Facts about Today in History

Learn about the most intriguing events and historical facts that occurred on December 17 throughout history. The 351st day of the Gregorian calendar is December 17. The first Saturnalis celebration was held in Rome on this day, the first issue of Vogue was released, and the US Air Force completed its Project Blue Book UFO investigation.

Sagittarius is the zodiac sign for December 17th. Pope Francis, Sarah Paulson, and Milla Jovovich all have famous birthdays. The 17th of December is also National Maple Syrup Day.

Event
(December 17, 1903) Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright flew an aeroplane for the first time on this date in 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville flew 120 feet (36.6 metres) in 12 seconds. photo source: wikimedia.org
Advertisements (December 17, 1967) Prime Minister Harold Holt of Australia goes missing while swimming at Portsea, Victoria, and is assumed drowned. photo source: wikimedia.org
(December 17, 2011) North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died, and his youngest son, Kim Jong-Un, took his place. photo source: wikimedia.org
(Died on December 17, 2020) Jeremy Bullock, English actor (b. 1945).