1. In 1901, the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its first performance at Symphony Hall in Boston on January 3. The hall is now considered one of the top concert venues in the world.
2. On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States. Massachusetts residents welcomed Alaska into the nation with celebrations and festivities across the state.
3. In 1977, a record-breaking blizzard hit Massachusetts on January 3, causing several deaths and millions of dollars in damages. The storm dropped over 27 inches of snow in Boston and left many residents without power for days.
4. On January 3, 1990, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced the creation of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), which would develop and promote standards for the Internet. This announcement helped to shape the future of the internet and online technology.
5. In 2007, Governor Deval Patrick was inaugurated on January 3, becoming the first African American governor of Massachusetts. His election marked a significant milestone in the state's history and was celebrated by many residents.