What Happened on June 10?

June 10 is National Herbs and Spices Day — celebrating flavors from basil to cinnamon — on the same date William Kemmler became the first person executed by electric chair, Alcoholics Anonymous was founded, and NASA launched the Spirit Mars rover.

• 1752 — Benjamin Franklin famously flies a kite during a thunderstorm

  On June 10, 1752, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a Philadelphia storm to prove that lightning is a form of electricity. Read the full story →

• 1890 — William Kemmler becomes the first person executed by electric chair

  Murderer William Kemmler was put to death in Auburn, New York, on June 10, 1890 — the world's first execution using the electric chair. Read the full story →

• 1935 — Alcoholics Anonymous is founded in Akron, Ohio

  Stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Bob Smith held their first sober-support meeting on June 10, 1935, launching the global Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship. Read the full story →

• 1940 — Italy declares war on France and Britain, entering World War II

  Benito Mussolini's Fascist Italy joined the war on Germany's side on June 10, 1940, invading southern France as Paris was about to fall. Read the full story →

• 1967 — Israel and Arab states agree to a ceasefire ending the Six-Day War

  A UN-brokered ceasefire took effect on June 10, 1967, ending a six-day conflict that reshaped borders in the Middle East. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021) · Judy Garland (1922–1969) · Tara Lipinski (1982) · Kate Upton (1992)

Days & observances

National Herbs and Spices Day · National Ballpoint Pen Day · National Iced Tea Day · Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal)