On this day: January 15
1894 Reported Mass Hypnosis at a French Fairground
On January 15, 1894, French press and medical journals reported an incident at a provincial fairground in which dozens of spectators appeared to enter a trance after watching a hypnotist’s demonstration—an episode later discussed in debates over suggestion, crowd psychology and the medical legitimacy of mesmerism.
The Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 Kills 21
On January 15, 1919, a 2.3 million-gallon storage tank of molasses burst in Boston’s North End, sending a deadly wave through streets and killing 21 people while injuring many more.
Pentagon Confirms Existence of Area 51
On January 15, 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense formally acknowledged the existence of the Nevada Test and Training Range facility commonly known as Area 51, ending decades of official silence about the classified installation.
Max McGee’s First Super Bowl TD Came Despite a Severe Hangover
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGee, reportedly ill and hungover, scored the first-ever Super Bowl touchdown on January 15, 1967, highlighting an unlikely contribution to the Packers’ 35–10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Great Molasses Flood of Boston, 1919
On January 15, 1919, a large molasses storage tank in Boston's North End burst, unleashing a wave of thick molasses that killed 21 people, injured scores, and damaged buildings and infrastructure in the surrounding neighborhood.
Recorded First Successful Artificial Insemination (15 January 1790)
On 15 January 1790 a medical case reported in the late 18th century is often cited as the first recorded successful artificial insemination: a documented procedure in which sperm was introduced to a woman resulting in pregnancy, reported within contemporary medical correspondence and journals.
First Super Bowl Played in Los Angeles: AFL and NFL Champions Clash
On January 15, 1967, the champions of the American Football League and the National Football League met in Los Angeles for the first AFL–NFL World Championship Game, later known as Super Bowl I, marking a pivotal step toward the 1970 merger.