On This Day - January 13, 2026

Decades of invention and experiments from contributors around the globe culminated into a single moment at the Metropolitan Opera House. Inventor Lee Deforest powered up the transmitter and antenna and began the world's first public radio broadcast, a performance of Enrico Caruso. While the audience was small, it demonstrated the potential of public broadcasting.

German test pilot Helmut Schenk successfully deploys the first ejection seat while being towed aloft in his HE280 by two Bf 110C tugs. During heavy snow, the jet iced up and Schenk found he had no control of the plane. He jettisoned the towline and ejected from the plane.

President Lyndon B. Johnson establishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He appoints Robert C. Weaver as the secretary of the new department, the first African American to hold a Cabinet position.

Barbara Sonntag of Colorado set the American speed crocheting record of 4,412 stitches in 30 minutes. That comes to roughly 147 stitches every minute. January 13th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays