Mary Ann Shadd Cary
The first black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada. She was also the second black woman to attend law school in the U.S.
National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for October 9, 2027. Plus historical events and birthdays.

October 9, 2027 celebrates National Pro-life Cupcake Day, plus 9 more. On October 9, National Pro-Life Cupcake Day encourages open dialogue about an emotionally charged topic and an exchange of cupcakes to ease the conversation. Pro-Life Cupcake Day is a sensitive topic people either never talk about or avoid talking about.
Read the full story →PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day on October 9 sets out to increase research, education, and support those affected by Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).
Read the full story →Every year on October 9th, we celebrate National Curious Events Day. This odd day is dedicated to the strange, the unexplained, and the wonderfully weird occurrences that defy easy explanation. It’s a time to embrace our inner detective, question the world around us, and dive headfirst into the mysteries that have puzzled humanity for ages.
Read the full story →While spotting mold on your food is usually a reason to panic, October 9th celebrates the glorious, funky, and delicious world of edible mold. Welcome to National Moldy Cheese Day! This is the day for the daring, the culinary adventurers, and anyone who believes the best food is a bit of a science experiment. This is the one day a year when "fuzzy" is a feature, not a failure!
Read the full story →National Leif Erikson Day on October 9 honors the Icelandic-born explorer, Leif Erikson. The Norse explorer earns credit for bringing the first Europeans known to have set foot in North America.
Read the full story →Every year on October 9th, communities across the nation observe Fire Prevention Day. This important observance occurs during National Fire Prevention Week to serve as an essential reminder to take simple proactive steps by performing routine checks and creating a family escape plan in case of a fire.
Read the full story →The second Saturday in October recognizes National Chess Day that challenges players mentally while also breaking down barriers through the centuries.
Read the full story →To the knitters, the crocheters, the weavers, and the yarn-curious—this day is for you! The second Saturday in October is I Love Yarn Day, a global celebration of every vibrant skein, soft ball, and cozy hank of yarn waiting to become a masterpiece. It's a day to show off your stash, start a new project, and share the love of fiber arts with the world.
Read the full story →National Motorcycle Ride Day on the second Saturday in October encourages all motorcyclists in the USA and the world to get out on their motorcycles for a united day of riding. Use the day to escape on your motorcycle. Have some fun, relieve some stress, and really enjoy the thrills. Freedom is what riding a motorcycle offers.
Read the full story →On the second Saturday in October, National Costume Swap Day encourages pirates, princesses, dragons, and wizards to trade costumes!
Read the full story →People born on October 9
The first black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada. She was also the second black woman to attend law school in the U.S.
Theorist and academic often referred to as the "Father of Progressive Education." He believed education should not only include academics, but also mental, physical, and moral education.
American pharmacist and businessman who was the founder of Walgreens.
American photographer who took the famous photograph of marines Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.
Musician and founder of the iconic British band the Beatles.
Events that occurred on October 9 throughout history
The Collegiate School of Connecticut is chartered in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The college was later renamed Yale University in 1781 after moving to New Haven.
The Restauration arrives in New York Harbor from Norway, carrying the first organized immigration from Norway to the U.S. The ship carried 52 or 53 immigrants who left Norway seeking freedom from the state church of Norway.
The U.S. Naval Institute is established after a meeting at the U.S. Naval Academy between 15 naval officers. Their goal was to advance the power and history of the sea services, along with having an open space to share professional and scientific ideas.
The Cincinnati Reds win the World Series after eight Chicago White Sox players intentionally played poorly in exchange for money from a gambling syndicate. A grand jury indicted the players in 1920, but they were acquitted in 1921.
The Boulder Dam (later renamed Hoover Dam) begins to generate electricity and transmit it to Los Angeles.
Pope John Paul II greets the Dalai Lama during a private audience in Vatican City. The spiritual leaders became good friends and held private talks between 1980 and 2003.
Longer-running observances that include this date.
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