June 15 is the 166th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 199 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about June 15th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about June 15th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- National Smile Power Day
- World Meat Free Day
- National Lobster Day
- Nature Photography Day
- Magna Carta Day
- World Wind Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – June 15
2006: Microsoft CEO Bill Gates announced he would step back to focus on charitable work 2006.
1991: Mount Pinatubo explodes
The stratovolcano’s eruption was one of the most violent of the 20th century. About 800 people died, but the event had also global consequences. For example, it caused a global temperature drop of 0.5 °C (0.9 °F).
1977: Spain holds the first free elections since 1936
The transition to democracy followed nearly four decades of right-wing dictatorship under Francisco Franco. Adolfo Suárez became Spain’s first democratically elected Prime Minister.
1954: The Union of European Football Associations is foundedThe UEFA is the umbrella organization for association football in Europe. It comprises 54 member countries in Europe and Asia.
1844 Charles Goodyear patents vulcanization
The American inventor is credited with developing the basic concept of strengthening rubber by adding sulfur or similar materials. Vulcanized rubber is today used for a wide array of products, such as tires and shoe soles.
1667: The first human blood transfusion is administered
Jean-Baptiste Denys, physician to King Louis XIV of France, transfused sheep blood into a 15-year-old boy. He survived, most likely due to the relatively small amount of blood used.
1960: Professor Len Tomlin had to close down his Manchester Bellevue flea circus in the 60s due to the lack of fleas. Here is Tomlin feeding his fleas with the blood from his own arm. The fleas performed on the miniature pieces of equipment in the foreground

1958: Ingrid Bergman holding a toddler on a rural street in a scene from the 1958 film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. Bergman stars as Englishwoman Gladys Aylward who moves to China and eventually helps children.

1954: The Union of European Football Associations is founded in 1954.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, June 15
1984: Tim Lincecum, American baseball player
1969: Oliver Kahn, German footballer
1964: Michael Laudrup, Danish footballer
1941: Neal Adams, American artist
1941: Harry Nilsson, American singer-songwriter, musician
Courtney Cox was born.
Mohamed Salah was born.
Xi Jinping was born.
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, June 15
1996: Ella Fitzgerald, American singer
1993: James Hunt, English Grand Prix driver, 1976 World Drivers’ Champion
1941: Evelyn Underhill, English poet
1888: Frederick III, German Emperor
1849: James K. Polk, American politician, 11th President of the United States
Ella Fitzgerald died.
James K. Polk died.
Casey Kasem died.