What Happened on October 5?

October 5 is World Teachers' Day — honoring educators worldwide — on the same date President Truman gave the first televised White House address in 1947, Dr. No premiered in 1962, Chief Joseph surrendered in 1877, Monty Python debuted in 1969, and PBS began in 1970.

• 1877 — Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce surrenders

  On October 5, 1877, Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph surrendered in Montana after a long retreat, ending a desperate bid for freedom and safety. Read the full story →

• 1908 — Bulgaria declares independence from the Ottoman Empire

  On October 5, 1908 (September 22 on the Julian calendar then used locally), Bulgaria proclaimed full independence and Prince Ferdinand became tsar. Read the full story →

• 1947 — Truman delivers the first televised White House address

  On October 5, 1947, President Harry S. Truman spoke on television from the White House — the first time Americans could watch a presidential address live from that residence. Read the full story →

• 1962 — Dr. No premieres — the first James Bond film

  On October 5, 1962, Dr. No opened in London, introducing Sean Connery as secret agent James Bond and launching a film franchise that still runs today. Read the full story →

• 1969 — Monty Python's Flying Circus debuts on BBC

  On October 5, 1969, Monty Python's Flying Circus first aired in Britain — surreal sketches that reinvented TV comedy. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Neil deGrasse Tyson (1958) · Kate Winslet (1975) · Mario Lemieux (1965) · Václav Havel (1936–2011)

Days & observances

World Teachers' Day · National Apple Betty Day · National Do Something Nice Day · National Get Funky Day