CLEVELAND HISTORY
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17, 1867): Cleveland’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place, celebrating Irish heritage and culture in the city. This annual parade has grown significantly over the years, becoming a key cultural event in Cleveland, drawing large crowds and featuring a variety of performances, floats, and community groups.
Opening of the Cleveland Trust Company Building (March 18, 1908): The iconic Cleveland Trust Company Building opened its doors. This building is notable for its stunning rotunda and exquisite stained glass dome, designed by the architect George B. Post. It has been a landmark in downtown Cleveland and a symbol of the city’s economic history.
Founding of the Cleveland International Film Festival (March 19, 1977): This festival was first launched to provide a platform for filmmakers to screen their independent and foreign films. It has since grown to become one of the leading film festivals in the country, boosting the local arts scene and providing significant economic and cultural contributions to the city.
Groundbreaking for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (March 21, 1993): The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame took place on this date, marking the start of construction for what would become a major cultural institution in Cleveland. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, the museum celebrates the history and impact of rock music and its artists.
First Broadcast of WEWS-TV (March 23, 1947): WEWS-TV, Cleveland’s first television station and one of the first in Ohio, began broadcasting. This was a significant advancement in local media, bringing television news, entertainment, and educational programs to the public, and shaping the region’s media landscape.
WORLD HISTORY
Death of Saint Patrick (March 17, 461 AD): Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is believed to have died on this date. He is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity and is best known for using the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. The anniversary of his death is celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious holiday celebrated with parades, wearing green, and various festivities worldwide.
First Spacewalk by Alexei Leonov (March 18, 1965): Alexei Leonov, a Soviet cosmonaut, made history by conducting the first human spacewalk during the Voskhod 2 mission. He spent 12 minutes outside his spacecraft, tethered to it, in a special space suit. This groundbreaking event showcased the possibilities of human activity in space and paved the way for future extravehicular activities (EVAs).
Discovery of the Rings of Saturn by Christiaan Huygens (March 19, 1687): Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens used an early telescope to observe and correctly deduce the nature of the rings of Saturn. Prior to his observations, Saturn’s rings were a mystery to astronomers. Huygens’ discovery significantly advanced scientific understanding of the solar system and demonstrated the capabilities of telescopic advancements in astronomy.
Founding of the Republican Party, USA (March 20, 1854): The Republican Party was established in Ripon, Wisconsin, originally formed by anti-slavery expansion activists and modernizers. The party quickly grew in prominence, leading Abraham Lincoln to his presidency. It played a pivotal role in the abolition of slavery and has since been a major political force in the United States.
Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa (March 21, 1960): In Sharpeville, South Africa, a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws turned tragic when police opened fire on the demonstrators, killing 69 people and wounding many others. This event marked a significant turning point in the struggle against apartheid, leading to increased national and international condemnation of South Africa’s apartheid policies.
Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Speech (March 23, 1775): At the Virginia Convention held at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Patrick Henry delivered this impassioned speech to rally support for independence from Britain. His words, concluding with the famous phrase, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” stirred his audience and have since become emblematic of the American fight for independence.
