1. On January 11, 1755, the Pennsylvania Gazette reported the arrival of Benjamin Franklin in London. Franklin was sent by the Pennsylvania Assembly to petition King George II for an exemption from taxation for the colony's proprietors. His efforts were unsuccessful, but his role as a colonial envoy helped him build relationships and valuable connections in London that would aid him later in his life.

2. In 1807, two Philadelphia scientists, Robert Hare and James Cutbush, founded the Franklin Institute. The Institute, which is named after Benjamin Franklin, is focused on promoting education and innovation in science and technology. Today, it is one of the country's leading centers for science education and research, and is a key destination for visitors to Philadelphia.

3. January 11, 1900, marked the opening of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts' new building on North Broad Street in Philadelphia. The Beaux-Arts structure was designed by Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt, and remains one of the city's most prominent landmarks. The school has trained many of the country's most important artists, including Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, and David Lynch.

4. On January 11, 1935, the first trial of the infamous "Scotch-White Bootlegging Syndicate" began in Philadelphia. The syndicate, which was allegedly responsible for smuggling millions of dollars in illegal liquor into the city during Prohibition, was eventually broken up by law enforcement. The trial caused a sensation throughout the city and was widely covered in the press.

5. In 1978, Pittsburgh-born actor and comedian Gene Kelly was honored by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on January 11 for his contributions to the state's cultural heritage. Kelly, who is best known for his roles in classic Hollywood musicals like Singin' in the Rain and An American in Paris, grew up in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood and studied dance at the University of Pittsburgh before launching his career.