#36: August 31-September 6

August 31 – 1776 — William Livingston becomes the first Governor of New Jersey

On August 31, 1776, William Livingston made history by becoming the very first Governor of New Jersey, a role he would hold for 14 years during some of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution and the nation’s early years. A passionate advocate for independence, Livingston was deeply involved in shaping New Jersey’s state government and defending it against British forces. Fun fact: before becoming governor, Livingston was actually a poet and essayist, and he used his sharp pen to criticize British policies long before he ever stepped into politics! This unique mix of literary flair and political leadership helped lay the groundwork for New Jersey’s role in the founding of the United States.

August 31, 1897 — Thomas Edison patents another movie invention

On August 31, 1897, Thomas Edison was granted a patent for one of his motion picture devices. By this time, movies were already starting to light up theaters thanks to earlier inventions like the Vitascope, which Edison’s company helped bring to the public in 1896. These machines made it possible for large groups of people to watch moving pictures together—something brand new at the time! Fun fact: Edison didn’t just work on movies. He held over 1,000 patents in his lifetime, including famous ones for the light bulb and the phonograph. His endless curiosity and inventions helped spark the beginning of the film industry we know today. Listen to the story of Thomas Edison! Episode 112

September 1, 1897 – America’s First Subway Opens in Boston

On September 1, 1897, America’s very first subway opened in Boston, Massachusetts! Before that, the streets were packed with horses, carriages, and trolleys, making travel slow and messy. The new subway gave people a faster way to get around by going underground, which was an exciting new idea at the time. Fun fact: when the subway first opened, thousands of curious people lined up just to ride it, and more than 250,000 passengers took a trip during its very first week!

September 3, 1783 – The end of the revolutionary war date

On September 3, 1783, the Revolutionary War officially ended when the Treaty of Paris was signed. This important agreement meant that Great Britain finally recognized the United States as an independent country, allowing Americans to begin creating their own government and way of life. Fun fact: one of the American negotiators who helped make the treaty was Benjamin Franklin—he was in his late 70s at the time and showed up to meetings wearing a simple fur hat instead of fancy clothes, which made him very memorable to the Europeans! Learn more about Benjamin Franklin! Episode 109

September 4, 1888 — George Eastman Patents the Kodak Camera

On September 4, 1888, George Eastman received a patent for his Kodak camera, a simple box camera that used roll film instead of heavy glass plates. This invention made photography much easier and more affordable, allowing everyday people—not just professionals—to take pictures. Fun fact: when Eastman introduced the Kodak, it came preloaded with film for 100 photos. After you finished, you mailed the entire camera back to the company, and they sent your developed pictures along with a reloaded camera ready to use again!