Nov
December 2025
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On This Day 4 mins Read

December 28: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, December 28, 2008, Luke Ward launched FactstoryHub?

Fact Checked Human Written Verified Sources Regularly Updated

December 28th celebrates Call A Friend Day and Card Playing Day.

We’re on day 362 of 365, and the countdown continues with only 3 days left in 2025!

Hold on tight because you’re about to discover our top pick of interesting events that all happened on December 28th in history.

Did you know that on this day, December 28, 2008, Luke Ward launched FactstoryHub? Back then, it was known as the Funky Facts blog and received just three visits on its first day.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about December 28th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on December 28 in history? Keep reading to find out!

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope began the multi-day process of unfurling its sunshield.

The James Webb Space Telescope, the most advanced infrared telescope ever launched into space, is so large that it had to be folded up like a transformer just to fit atop its launch vehicle. Three days after successfully launching into space, the telescope began the three-day deployment of its sunshield. This multi-layered shield is one of the most critical components of the telescope; for its infrared sensors to work at optimal levels, they need to be below -369.7 °F (-223.2 °C).

FactstoryHub celebrated its 10th birthday by publishing a list of 1,000 interesting facts.

Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the US adoption of Russian children.

OTD in 2012: Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the US adoption of Russian children.

The Dima Yakovlev Law was signed in response to the US Magnitsky Act, which penalized Russian officials involved in a certain tax scandal. The Dima Yakovlev Law received mixed critical reception.

Scarlett Johansson made her debut on Broadway.

In the Arthur Miller play "A View from the Bridge," Scarlett Johansson starred as the lead female role. The play ran for 14 weeks with 81 regular performances and 30 preview showings.

Luke Ward launched the Funky-Facts blog, which later became FactstoryHub.

LinkedIn was founded by Reid Hoffman and the founding team members from PayPal and Socialnet.com.

OTD in 2002: LinkedIn was founded by Reid Hoffman and the founding team members from PayPal and Socialnet.com.

Their website wasn't launched until May 5, 2003.

Hong Kong began to slaughter the city’s 1.6 million chickens to stop the spread of an influenza strain.

Andrea Bocelli made his classical debut singing at a concert at Teatro Romolo Valli in Reggio Emilia.

The first American test-tube baby, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.

President Richard Nixon signed the US Endangered Species Act into law.

OTD in 1973: President Richard Nixon signed the US Endangered Species Act into law.

The first major rock festival held on America’s east coast took place.

Around 100,000 people attended the December Miami Pop Festival. It was also the first rock festival to have two separate main stages.

Muriel Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on New York Stock Exchange.

Josephine Cochran patented the world’s first functional dishwasher in the US.

Iowa became the 29th state to join the United States of America.

The Westminster Abbey in London was consecrated.

OTD in 1065: The Westminster Abbey in London was consecrated.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with Seth Meyers! Check out more famous people born on this day below.

1997

Nash Grier

American Internet Personality

Age

27 years old

Born IN

North Carolina, USA

1922

Stan Lee

American Comic Book Writer

Died On

Nov 12, 2018 (Age 95)

Born IN

New York, USA

1934

Maggie Smith

English Actress

Died On

Sep 27, 2024 (Age 89)

Born IN

England, UK

1973

Seth Meyers

American Comedian

Age

51 years old

Born IN

New Hampshire, USA

Birthday & Zodiac

People who were born on December 28 all share the Capricorn star sign.

Capricorns are ambitious, determined and will consistently apply efforts to overcome any obstacles in their way.

Anyone born in December has the Blue Topaz birthstone. The blue topaz promotes harmony, serenity, tranquility and helps the wearer to overcome hurt and pain.

If you were born on this day, your estimated date of conception would be April 6th in the same year.

Babies conceived on December 28, 2025, will be due around September 20, 2026.

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, December 28th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1932 — 2016

Debbie Reynolds

American Actress Debbie Reynolds was born on April 1, 1932. She died on this day in 2016, at age 84 in California, USA.

Special Holidays

Looking for a reason to celebrate? Well, here's a few! These unique holidays are sure to bring some enjoyment to your day.

United States

National Call A Friend Day

People rarely speak on the phone these days, and when they do, they rush their conversations as much as possible. Today’s all about being a bit nostalgic and having a good old yarn about life, the universe, and everything else with a friend. So what are you waiting for?

United States

National Card Playing Day

Christmas has come and gone, and we’ve pretty much all run of things to discuss with our families. We’re tired, we’ve overeaten, and we’re happy, if a little bored. The good news is that it’s National Card Playing Day, a great reminder to crack out your cards and play some games!

Fact Of The Day

Days Until

Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!

  • Bacon Day

    2 days

  • New Year's Eve

    3 days

  • New Year's Day

    4 days

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About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of FactstoryHub. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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