Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese’s films frequently feature gangsters and focus on the world of crime. His iconic films include Taxi Driver (1976) Raging Bull (1980) and Goodfellas (1990). In 2006, he won his first Academy Award for Best Director for his film The Departed after previously being nominated five times.

On this day in 1998, President Clinton admitted to having an improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern.

The Klondike gold rush was set off by George Carmack (below) who discovered gold on Rabbit Creek in Alaska.

George Washington Carmack, from California.

Robert Fulton’s "North River Steam Boat" (known as the "Clermont") began heading up New York’s Hudson River on its successful round- trip to Albany on this day in 1807.

Robert Fulton(11-14-1765 – 2-24-1815

It happened on this day in 1987.

Rudolf Walter Richard Hess (April 26, 1894 – August 17, 1987)

Robert Anthony De Niro is 74 years old today.

Legendary actor Robert De Niro won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Jake LaMotta in the 1980 boxing film Raging Bull and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Vito Corleone in the 1974 classic The Godfather Part II.

On this day in 1945, the Allies proclaimed V-J Day a day after Japan agreed to surrender unconditionally.

It began on this day in 1969.

India became independent from Britain and was divided into the countries of India and Pakistan. India had been under British about 200 years.

It was on this day in 1998.

On this day in 1914, the Panama Canal was officially opened to commercial traffic as an American ship sailed from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The first vessel to pass through the canal was the American cargo and passenger ship SS Ancon.

"The Wizard of Oz" premiered in Hollywood, CA. on this day in 1939 and Judy Garland became famous for the movie’s song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Public testimony at the Iran-Contra hearing began on this day in 1987 with National Security Council staff member Oliver North testifying before a Congressional committee. He was ultimately indicted on 16 felony counts.

It was on this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sandra Day O’Connor turned 81 in March.

Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) is 77 years old today.

Ringo Starr was asked to join The Beatles after their drummer Pete Best had a falling out with the band.