This Day in History - November 2

Looking back at this day in history, we begin in nineteen eighty-four, when Velma Barfield became the first woman executed in the United States since nineteen sixty-two. Moving forward to nineteen ninety, British Satellite Broadcasting and Sky Television joined together to form a new company called BSkyB after both companies had lost a great deal of money. Ten years later, in two thousand, the first long-stay crew arrived at the International Space Station, beginning a human presence there that has continued without a break. Then, in two thousand eight, Lewis Hamilton won his first Formula One drivers’ title at the Brazilian Grand Prix, finishing just one point ahead of Felipe Massa after passing Timo Glock’s Toyota on the final lap. Most recently, in two thousand twenty-two, Ethiopia’s government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front signed a peace agreement to end the Tigray War. These events show how one day can hold stories of change, challenge, and hope.

(UPDATED November 2, 2026 15:47 UTC)

In 1984, Velma Barfield became the first woman executed in the United States since 1962. In 1990, British Satellite Broadcasting and Sky Television merged to form BSkyB after massive losses. In 2000, Expedition 1 arrived at the International Space Station, beginning its first long-duration stay and uninterrupted human presence. In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won his first Formula One Drivers’ Championship by one point after passing Timo Glock on the final lap. In 2022, the Ethiopian government and Tigray People’s Liberation Front signed a peace agreement, ending the Tigray War.