1. Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on January 8, 1788. Delaware's quick action helped to pave the way for the U.S. government as we know it today.
2. On January 8, 1960, the first episode of Hockessin's Small Wonder television show aired. The show, which was about a family with a robotic daughter, became a hit and ran for four seasons.
3. The University of Delaware was founded on January 8, 1833, as Newark College. Today, the university is a major research institution with over 24,000 students.
4. On January 8, 2007, Joe Biden announced that he was running for president of the United States. Although he didn't end up winning the nomination, Biden would later become vice president under Barack Obama.
5. On January 8, 1964, the Wilmington Blue Bombers played their first game as part of the Eastern Hockey League. The team would go on to win the championship in their inaugural season. Today, the Blue Bombers are a distant memory, but Delaware remains home to several minor league sports teams.