October 11: Fun Facts about Today in History

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On October 11, learn about the most interesting events and historical facts from across history. The 284th day of the Gregorian calendar is October 11th. On this day, the AIDS Memorial Quilt was unveiled on the National Mall in Washington, DC; NASA launched Apollo 7, the first manned space mission; and Australia’s oldest university, the University of Sydney, was established.

The 11th of October falls under the sign of Libra. Author Elmore Leonard and actress Joan Cusack both have October 11th birthdays. National Coming Out Day and National Sausage Pizza Day are both celebrated today.

Event
Happy Birthday! (October 11, 1884) Eleanor Roosevelt, American humanitarian and politician, 39th First Lady of the United States. photo source: wikimedia.org
Advertisements (October 11, 1958) NASA launches Pioneer 1, its first space probe, but it is unable to maintain a stable position in the solar system after launch. photo source: wikimedia.org
(October 11, 1984) Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan makes history as the first American woman in space on board the Space Shuttle Challenger. photo source: wikimedia.org
(October 11, 2000) The International Women of the Year Association honoured Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, with the title of Greatest Woman Achiever of the Century during a ceremony in London. photo source: wikimedia.org