Front Page - This Day in Miami History

Muhammad Ali is jubilant after knocking out Sonny Liston in their world heavyweight championship bout at the Miami Beach Convention Hall in 1964. Photo by John Pineda, Miami Herald.

Episodes

February 25, 2024: Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) defeats Sonny Liston to claim the Heavyweight Title

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we discuss arguably the most important sporting event in South Florida's history. It's the 60th anniversary of Sonny Liston's defeat at the hands of Cassius Clay, who would go on to become Muhammad Ali and change the course of history.Read more

"The Orange Bowl: A Complete History" by Tommy A. Phillips.

Episodes

January 1, 1935: The First Orange Bowl (with Tommy Phillips, author of “The Orange Bowl: A Complete History”)

In today’s episode of This Day in Miami History, we talk to Tommy Phillips, the author of “The Orange Bowl: A Complete History.” New Year’s Day is historically connected to the game, and Tommy and...Read more

The 2000 Miami Fusion qualified for the U.S. Open Cup Final. Inter Miami CF attempts to win the trophy that eluded the Fusion tonight. Via U.S. Soccer.

Episodes

September 27, 2023: Inter Miami CF attempts to avenge the Miami Fusion’s loss in the U.S. Open Cup (with Joe Shaw)

In today’s episode of This Day in Miami History, we talk to Joe Shaw of “25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it,” about the team that preceded Inter...Read more

A postcard of the Clevelander Hotel on Miami Beach in the 1940s.

Episodes

September 20, 1942: The Clevelander Hotel is prepared for AAFTTC guard school

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we discuss the current threat to the Clevelander Hotel on Miami Beach by looking back at its history in shaping America's war effort during World War II.Read more

Toki (best known as Lolita) is remembered on the digital board of the Miami Seaquarium on August 21, 2023.

Episodes

August 22, 2023: The Miami Seaquarium reopens without Lolita

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we acknowledge an icon of Miami-Dade County, Lolita the Orca. We also look at the history of the Miami Seaquarium, her home for more than a century, and the controversy about her time in South Florida.Read more

The Miami News Tower, as featured in the Miami News on July 26, 1925.

Episodes

July 26, 1925: Miami News Tower (Freedom Tower) opens with Dr. Paul S. George

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we take a look back at the opening of Miami News Tower, which we now know as Freedom Tower. This iconic structure has a fascinating backstory, and we explore it with Dr. Paul S. George, resident historian at HistoryMiami.Read more

Manuel Noriega takes his mugshot in Miami.

Episodes

January 4, 1990: Manuel Noriega arraigned on charges at the Miami Federal Courthouse

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we break format a bit. A momentous event in the history of the United States is taking place in Miami today, as former President Donald J. Trump is being arraigned on federal charges. We use today’s occasion to draw parallels to the past, when on January 4, 1990, former Panamanian “Maximum Leader” Manuel Noriega was arraigned on federal charges after he was captured and arrested during Operation Just Cause in 1990.Read more

Queen Elizabeth II departs her plane at Miami International Airport in Miami.

Episodes

May 17, 1991: Queen Elizabeth II visits Miami

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we remember the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Miami. Her one-day stop was a whirlwind of action, and provided unique insight into how a Queen operates.Read more

Barbara Baer Capitman is removed from an Art Deco hotel on Miami Beach.

Episodes

April 29, 1920: The birth of Barbara Capitman (with Daniel Ciraldo, Executive Director, Miami Design Preservation League)

In today's episode of This Day in Miami History, we discuss Barbara Baer Capitman, who was critical in preserving Miami Beach's Art Deco architecture. We talk with Daniel Ciraldo, Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League (the group Capitman founded) about the history of the work and current threats to historic preservation.Read more

March 20, 1970: Roxcy Bolton elected vice president of National Organization for Women