On this day: March 30

Boston organizes the first modern municipal fire department, 1853

On March 30, 1853, Boston replaced volunteer companies with a paid, centrally managed municipal fire department—the model credited as the first modern professional fire service in the United States.

First Public Demonstration of Surgical Anesthesia, March 30, 1842

On March 30, 1842, in Boston, a public demonstration introduced inhaled ether anesthesia to surgical practice, marking a decisive shift in pain management and the practice of surgery.

Commercial Sale Begins for the First Electric Vacuum Cleaner

On March 30, 1908, the first electric vacuum cleaner was sold commercially, marking a turning point in household labor by introducing powered suction cleaning to the consumer market.