06/15/2026
June 15 has a little bit of everything — big discoveries, big debuts, and moments that shaped music, movies, and the country itself. Enjoy today’s edition of This Day in History.
1752 – Benjamin Franklin’s Lightning Experiment
On this day, Franklin turned a storm into a science lab. By sending a kite and metal key into a thundercloud, he proved lightning was a form of electricity — a discovery that helped spark the entire modern electrical age. Bold, dangerous, and wildly ahead of its time.
1836 – Arkansas Becomes the 25th State
The U.S. map gained a new star when Arkansas officially joined the Union. Back then it was rugged frontier territory — statehood meant “Congratulations, now build everything from scratch.” Today it stands as a major piece of Southern history and culture.
1994 – Disney Releases The Lion King
Disney unleashed a global phenomenon on this day. The Lion King roared into theaters with a record‑breaking soundtrack, unforgettable animation, and enough emotional damage to last generations. It remains one of the most iconic animated films ever made.
1996 – Ella Fitzgerald Passes Away
The world lost the First Lady of Song on this day. Ella’s voice could glide, bounce, and improvise like nobody else — she turned jazz into pure magic. Her passing marked the end of an era, but her music still feels alive and untouchable.
2005 – Batman Begins Premieres
Christopher Nolan rebooted the Dark Knight and changed superhero movies forever. Gritty realism, a grounded origin story, and a fresh take on Gotham launched a trilogy that reshaped modern cinema. Everything that came after owes a nod to this day.
Happy Painting! 🎨
