On this day in 1846, Belgian musician and inventor Adolphe Sax secured the patent for a brand new instrument: the saxophone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1922, the Newbery Medal was awarded for the first time as a way to recognize excellence in children’s literature.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1901, Spanish painter Pablo Picasso held the first major exhibition of his artwork at a gallery in Paris.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1979, The Charlie Daniels Band released a hit single called “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1611, English navigator Henry Hudson was cast adrift with eight others after his mutinuous crew seized control of his ship.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1989, in a narrow decision, the United States Supreme Court upheld the rights of protesters to burn the American flag. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1756, dozens of British prisoners were forced to spend the night in an airless cell known colloquially as the Black Hole of Calcutta.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1901, the newly-formed College Board administered its first standardized admissions exams, the precursor to the SAT.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1883, at Victoria Hall in Sunderland, the rush to receive free toys left 183 children dead.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1219, according to Danish legend, the country’s familiar red and white flag fell from the sky as a sign of God’s favor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.