1569: England Holds Its First State Lottery
On January 11, 1569, England held its first state lottery to raise funds for public works, such as repairing harbors and roads, marking the beginning of organized lotteries in Europe.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
~ Seneca
Source: Letters to Lucilius, 65 AD
1693: Mount Etna Erupts in Sicily
On January 11, 1693, Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently, devastating Sicily and causing earthquakes that killed over 60,000 people.
“We are not in control of nature, but we can learn to live in harmony with it.”
~ Rachel Carson
Source: Silent Spring, 1962
1759: First Life Insurance Company in America Opens
On January 11, 1759, the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Presbyterian Ministers opened in Philadelphia, becoming America’s first life insurance company, providing financial security to families.
“Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
~ Helen Keller
Source: The Open Door, 1957
1908: Grand Canyon Designated a National Monument
On January 11, 1908, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument, protecting one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
~ Theodore Roosevelt
Source: Speeches, early 1900s
1922: First Successful Use of Insulin to Treat Diabetes
On January 11, 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old diabetic, became the first person successfully treated with insulin, marking a breakthrough in medical history.
“The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”
~ Voltaire
Source: Letters, 18th century
1935: Amelia Earhart Becomes the First to Fly Solo from Hawaii to California
On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean from Hawaii to California, proving aviation’s potential for long-distance travel.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.”
~ Amelia Earhart
Source: Letters, 1930s
1964: U.S. Surgeon General Links Smoking to Cancer
On January 11, 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued the first official report linking smoking to lung cancer, leading to public health campaigns and regulations.
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, and faithfulness the best relationship.”
~ Buddha
Source: Ancient texts
1985: Soviet Union Announces Gorbachev as Its New Leader
On January 11, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev emerged as the leader of the Soviet Union, introducing reforms that led to the end of the Cold War and the fall of communism.
“If you do not move forward, you will always be left behind.”
~ Mikhail Gorbachev
Source: Speeches, 1985
2003: Illinois Governor Commutes Death Sentences
On January 11, 2003, Illinois Governor George Ryan commuted the death sentences of all 167 inmates on death row, citing flaws in the justice system.
“Mercy is the highest attribute of justice.”
~ Cicero
Source: De Officiis, 44 BC
2020: China Confirms First COVID-19 Death
On January 11, 2020, China reported the first death caused by the COVID-19 virus in Wuhan, marking the beginning of a global pandemic that changed modern history.
“The secret of crisis management is not good vs. bad; it’s preventing the bad from getting worse.”
~ Andy Gilman
Source: Crisis communication seminars, 2016
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