In 1774, Anthony Benezet's essay on alcoholism, titled Mighty Destroyer Displayed, was published. This essay is considered one of the earliest American works on alcoholism.

On February 22, 1842, Abraham Lincoln addressed the Springfield Washingtonians, praising their movement and criticizing earlier temperance movements' definition of alcoholics.

William D. Silkworth M.D. was born in Brooklyn, New York.

Robert Holbrook Smith, also known as Dr. Bob, was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Anne R., the wife of Dr. Bob, was born on March 21.

E.M. Jellinek, Ph.D., the author of 'The Disease Concept of Alcoholism' and creator of the 'Jellinek Curve', was born in August.

Lois W. was born on March 3.

Rev. Sam Shoemaker, head of the U.S. Oxford Group movement and minister of Calvary Church in NYC, was born on December 27.

Bill W. is born in East Dorset, Vermont.

The book 'Varieties of Religious Experience' by William James was published in 1902, which influenced Bill Wilson's understanding of spiritual transformations.

Marty Mann, an early AA woman and founder of the National Council on Alcoholism, is born in Chicago, Illinois.

In September 1905, Bill W's father, Gilman, took him on a late-night buggy ride after a bitter argument with Emily, where he asked Bill to do something significant.

In January 1913, Bill W faced academic challenges and failed nearly every mid-year exam, leading to his decision to drop out of school.

Dr. Bob marries Anne R.

Bill W. marries Lois B.

The Oxford Group was a Christian fellowship established by American missionary Frank Buchman in 1921. It emphasized principles like confession, conversion, and the Four Absolutes. Bill Wilson, a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, drew inspiration from The Oxford Group's teachings in developing AA's Twelve-Step Program.

In 1923, Bill W's mother, Emily, married Dr. Charles Strobel, marking a significant event in Bill W's family life.

With the help of the Oxford Group, Rowland Hazard underwent a spiritual conversion and began to experience liberation from alcohol. This conversion led him to a lifetime of sobriety.

In 1933, Bill Wilson was admitted to Towns Hospital in New York, which was headed by Dr. William D. Silkworth.

Bill W.'s last drunk begins and lasts about a month.

Bill W. takes his last drink and enters Towns Hospital where he has a spiritual experience and the obsession with alcohol is removed.

Bill Wilson was released from Towns Hospital on December 18, 1934, after undergoing treatment and experiencing a spiritual conversion.

Alone in the lobby of the Mayflower Hotel in Akron, Ohio, Bill W. makes 11 phone calls and finally gets Henrietta Seiberling, who introduces him to Dr. Bob.

Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith met for the first time in Akron, Ohio at Henrietta Seiberling’s Gate House. This meeting marked the beginning of the Alcoholics Anonymous movement.

Dr. Bob Smith had his last drink on June 10, 1935, which is considered the founding date of Alcoholics Anonymous. This marked the beginning of the organization that aimed to help alcoholics achieve sobriety through a spiritual conversion and support from fellow recovering alcoholics.

Dr. Bob Smith had his last drink, and together with Bill Wilson, they founded the Fellowship in Akron, Ohio. This event led to the establishment of Alcoholics Anonymous, with thousands of members gathering annually for AA Founder's Day Weekend.

The first Alcoholics Anonymous group in Akron, Ohio, was established on a firm footing. This marked a milestone in the growth and organization of AA in its early stages.

In March 1936, Bill & Lois visit Fitz M. in Maryland, who is known as 'Our Southern Friend' in the Big Book stories.

In November 1936, Fitz M. leaves Towns Hospital to become the third member of Alcoholics Anonymous in the New York area, alongside Bill W. & Hank P.

In January 1937, Fitz M. & others bring Alcoholics Anonymous to the Washington D.C. area.

In February 1937, the 'alcoholic squadron' of The Oxford Group holds a meeting at Hank P.'s home in New Jersey.

In March 1937, Florence Rankin became the first female member to join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Her inclusion marked a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity within the organization.

In September 1937, Florence R. becomes the first female member of Alcoholics Anonymous in New York.

In October 1937, the first Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in New York are held weekly at Bill & Lois's home at 182 Clinton St., Brooklyn.

In December 1937, Bill meets with the Rockefeller Foundation in an attempt to raise money for Alcoholics Anonymous.

In January 1938, the New York chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) decided to split from the Oxford Group, which had been renamed 'Moral Re-Armament' or 'MRA'.

In April 1938, 18 members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attended their first weekly meeting at 182 Clinton St. in New York City, which was hosted at Bill's home.

In May 1938, the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous,' also known as the Big Book, was published.

Two associates of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. reveal to the press about a book that is to be published under the name 'Alcoholics Anonymous'.

Ruth Hock initiates the typing of the first of many letters to individuals seeking help with alcoholism.

Akron OH and the NY AA groups start documenting their stories for the Big Book.

Bill W. and Hank P. establish Works Publishing Co. to raise funds for writing and publishing 'Alcoholics Anonymous'.

Bill W. starts writing the 12 Steps based on Oxford Group principles and the concept of addressing the vulnerabilities of alcoholics.

On April 10, 1939, the 'Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book was officially published, marking a significant milestone in the history of the organization.

On May 11, 1939, Cleveland started and first named a group Alcoholics Anonymous.

Works Publishing, the publisher of the Big Book, became incorporated on June 30, 1940.

On March 1, 1941, Jack Alexander's Saturday Evening Post article brought Alcoholics Anonymous national recognition, leading to a significant increase in membership.

In February 1942, Bill W. pays tribute to Ruth Hock, the first paid secretary of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), who resigned to get married. Ruth had signed 15,000 letters to alcoholics seeking help from the NY AA office.

In March 1942, the South Orange NJ AA chapter holds an anniversary dinner at Hotel Suburban, with Bill W. as the guest speaker.

In April 1942, the Windsor Daily Star in Ontario, Canada, reports that over 40 AA members attended a testimonial dinner in Detroit for Dr. Bob, the co-founder of AA.

In May 1942, Bill W. informs the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene that AA has 6,000 members in 180 groups.

In June 1942, Cleveland OH's AA Central Bulletin announced the introduction of a new 24-hour service number in the telephone directory.

In September 1942, U.S. Assistant Surgeon General Kolb delivered a speech at a dinner held in Philadelphia for Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In October 1942, the Chicago Herald American covered the 3rd Anniversary celebration of an AA group, with 500 people in attendance.

In January 1943, a Canadian newspaper documented a meeting where 8 men gathered at 'Little Denmark', a Toronto restaurant, to discuss the formation of Canada's first AA group.

In February 1943, during World War II gasoline rationing, the U.S. Government acknowledged the significance of AA's work and permitted the use of cars for 12th Step work in emergency situations.

In March 1943, the Queens AA group celebrated their 2nd anniversary with a dinner at Forest Hills Inn, attended by 100 AA members.

In May 1943, the Akron OH AA group celebrated their 8th anniversary with 500 attendees.

In July 1943, the 1st summer session of Yale Univ. School of Alcohol Studies began with Bill W. and six other AA members attending.

The Los Angeles Times reported in August 1943 about an AA picnic at Sycamore Grove, where 400 Southern California AA members attended.

The Tuscon AZ Star reported in September 1943 about an AA group consisting of eight men and three women.

In October 1943, the Toledo Ohio Blade reported an anniversary event at the Clubhouse with 200 attendees.

In November 1943, the Los Angeles Times reported on the 1st open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting held at the local VA hospital.

In December 1943, the San Quentin News reported that 'Mr. Bill' addressed 300 inmates at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

In March 1944, the NY Intergroup for Alcoholics Anonymous was established.

In June 1944, AA Grapevine magazine was first published, featuring personal stories of AA members and becoming the national journal of AA in 1945.

In September 1944, 'The Empty Jug,' an early Alcoholics Anonymous newsletter, began circulation in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The National Committee for Education on Alcoholism (NCA), later known as NCA, opened its New York City office in October 1944.

In December 1944, Australia became the first country outside of North America to establish Alcoholics Anonymous.

On February 5, 1945, Time Magazine reported on Detroit's WWJ radio station pioneering broadcasts by Alcoholics Anonymous members, marking the first such radio program in the United States.

In March 1946, a documentary on Alcoholics Anonymous titled 'The March of Time' was filmed by the New York AA office.

In April 1946, the Twelve Traditions were first published in the AA Grapevine as guidelines for group conduct and avoiding controversies.

In September 1946, the first Alcoholics Anonymous group was formed in Mexico City.

In November 1946, an AA intergroup office demanded an accounting of all Alcoholic Foundation money.

In March 1947, the Calix Society was founded in Minneapolis by five recovering Catholic alcoholics who were also AA members.

In November 1947, Anchorage saw the establishment of its first Alaskan Alcoholics Anonymous group.

On June 1, 1949, Anne S., the wife of Dr. Bob, passed away.

On Christmas Day in 1949, Dr. Bob made his last visit to the alcoholic ward at St. Thomas Hospital, where he had provided assistance and support to numerous individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.

On June 1, 1950, Anne Ripley Smith passed away. This event had an impact on those who knew her and was a part of the history of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, passes away on November 16, 1950.

Dr. William Duncan Silkworth, known as 'Silky,' who treated Bill W. and many others struggling with alcoholism, passes away at NY Towns Hospital.

In January 1952, the AA Grapevine released a memorial issue dedicated to Dr. Bob, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In November 1952, Rev. Willard S. Richardson passed away. He was known as AA's connection to the Rockefeller Foundation.

In 1953, the Twelve Traditions were published in the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, further solidifying their role in the AA program.

In January 1954, Hank P., an early member of Alcoholics Anonymous who assisted Bill in establishing the NY office, passed away in Pennington, New Jersey.

In September 1954, Bill D., who was the fourth member of Alcoholics Anonymous, passed away.

From July 1-3, 1955, at the 20th International AA Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, the legacies of Recovery, Unity, and Service were handed over to the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous by its old-timers.

In May 1956, the first English Alcoholics Anonymous convention took place in Cheltenham, England.

In October 1957, the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age' was published, providing insights into the history and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In April 1958, the word 'honest' was removed from the AA Preamble's 'an honest desire to stop drinking', reflecting a change in wording within Alcoholics Anonymous.

In August 1958, the book 'Twenty-Four Hours A Day' was written by Richard W., becoming the second best seller after the Big Book within Alcoholics Anonymous.

In October 1958, Playhouse 90 TV aired 'The Days of Wine and Roses', a movie focusing on alcoholism, shedding light on the issue to a wider audience.

In November 1958, the first International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous took place at Niagra Falls NY, marking a significant event for young individuals in the AA community.

In February 1959, Alcoholics Anonymous granted permission to 'Recording For The Blind' to tape the Big Book, making the content accessible to visually impaired individuals.

In November 1959, the Big Book was translated for Africans in South Africa by Andries K., marking the first translation of the Big Book into another language and expanding its reach.

In April 1960, Bill W. refused the cover of Time Magazine in order to uphold Alcoholics Anonymous' Anonymity Tradition, showcasing his commitment to the principles of AA.

Around 7,000 people attended the 25th Anniversary Alcoholics Anonymous convention in Long Beach, California.

Dr. Carl Jung replied to a letter from Bill W. with the phrase 'Spiritus Contra Spiritum'.

The first 'Victor E.' cartoon was published in The AA Grapevine magazine in May.

E.M. Jellinek, a prominent alcoholism researcher, educator, and friend of AA, dies in October.

Al S. penned the 'Responsibility Pledge' and it was recited by a crowd of 10,000 at the Toronto International Convention for the first time.

Ebby T., known for making the first 12th Step call, passes away while maintaining sobriety in March.

U.S. President Johnson appoints Marty M. to the inaugural National Advisory Commission on Alcoholism in November.

Ebby T., who played a significant role in the first 12th Step call, passes away in December. Surprisingly, his newspaper obituary makes no mention of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In February 1967, Father John Doe, also known as Fr. Ralph Pfau, passed away. He was the first Catholic priest to join Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 1969, the World Service Meeting for Alcoholics Anonymous was initiated, and since 1972, it has been held biennially in locations alternating between New York and various overseas places, fostering the global growth of A.A.

In October 1970, Lois read 'Bill’s Last Message' during the Bill W. Dinner, a significant event in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.

On January 24, 1971, Bill W., one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, passed away in Miami Beach, Florida, after delivering his last public words at the 35th Anniversary International Convention seven months earlier.

From September 22 to 25, 1971, over 500 individuals attended the first European Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Bristol, England, marking a significant international expansion of the organization.

In April 1973, Dr. Jack Norris, Chairman of the AA General Service Board, presented the one millionth copy of the Big Book to President Richard Nixon at a White House ceremony, highlighting the widespread impact of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In September 1973, the AA Archives were established at the General Service Office in New York, marking a crucial step in preserving the history and legacy of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In May 1974, the first World Service Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous held outside of America took place in London, England, signifying the global reach and impact of the organization.

In September 1975, Jack Alexander, the author known for his influential Saturday Evening Post articles on Alcoholics Anonymous, passed away.

In November 1975, the General Service Board officially opened the GSO AA Archives with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In December 1975, the AA special interest group for Airline Pilots, known as 'Birds of a Feather', was founded.

The third edition of the Big Book was released in 1976, with further updates to the personal stories section to reflect current AA membership.

In 1977, the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous voted to dissolve its Institutions Committee and form two separate committees, one for treatment facilities and one for correctional facilities.

In July 1979, Ernie Kurtz's book 'Not God', focusing on AA history, was published.

In May 1980, the AAWS biography of AA's co-founder and a history of early Midwest AA, 'Dr. Bob and the Good Old-Timers', was published.

In July 1980, Gay AA members had their own meeting for the first time at the New Orleans Convention.

In June 1981, Switzerland AA celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the presence of Lois W. and Nell Wing.

In August 1981, sales of the Big Book, a key literature in AA, surpassed three million copies.

In December 1982, Nell Wing retired from her position as Bill W.'s secretary and AA's first archivist, but continued as an Ambassador-At-Large for AA and a passionate advocate for AA history.

In November 1983, Lois participates in the Desert Roundup AA Convention in California. Her past experiences as a 'motorcycle hobo' lead to her receiving an honorary membership in an AA motorcycle club.

In March 1984, Clarence S., the founder of the Cleveland Ohio Alcoholics Anonymous, dies at the age of 81.

A publication from December 1984 that details the journey of Bill Wilson and the global spread of the Alcoholics Anonymous message.

In July 1985, the 50th Anniversary of the AA International Convention coincides with Al-Anon's 1st International Convention in Montreal. Ruth Hock is honored with the five millionth copy of the Big Book.

In December 1985, Dave B., the founder of the Montreal group, dies shortly before the 50th AA Anniversary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.

In January 1988, West Virginia Alcoholics Anonymous launches its first statewide toll-free telephone hotline.

In August 1988, the first Canadian National Alcoholics Anonymous Convention takes place in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Lois W., the widow of Bill W. and co-founder of Al-Anon, passes away at the age of 97. A memorial service is held in a Quaker-style at Stepping Stones in Bedford Hills, NY, with 50 attendees. She is laid to rest next to Bill in East Dorset, VT.

Dr. Leonard Strong, brother-in-law of Bill W. and an early supporter of AA, passes away.

The 55th Anniversary AA International Convention takes place in Seattle, WA, where Nell Wing receives the 10 millionth copy of the Big Book.

A book authored by Ernest Kurtz in 1991, providing a historical account of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Canadian AA celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a convention.

The National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence marks its 50th Anniversary with a dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The 60th Anniversary AA International Convention is held in San Diego, CA.

In December 1995, the new AA Archives were dedicated in Akron, Ohio. They are currently located in the Akron Intergroup Office.

Sociologists David R. Rudy and Arthur L. Greil conducted a study on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) literature and meetings, finding that a high level of commitment and a change in worldview are necessary for members to remain sober.

A book published in 1999 by Stanton Peele, discussing the influence of recovery advocates and the treatment sector on the perception of loss of control in America.

In July 2000, the 65th Anniversary AA International Convention took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The fourth edition of the Big Book was released in 2001, with continued updates to the personal stories section to stay relevant to current AA membership.

A book published in 2002 that narrates the success stories of numerous individuals who have overcome alcoholism through Alcoholics Anonymous.

The term 'thirteenth-stepping' refers to AA members making sexual advances towards new members. A study in 2003 found that a significant percentage of women in AA had experienced unwanted advances. AA has since implemented measures to address this issue.

The 70th Anniversary AA International Convention was held in July 2005 in Toronto, Canada.

The episode of History Detectives aired in 2006 delved into the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on a letter from Bill Wilson to Herbert Wallace.

A 2007 crime-comedy film starring Ben Kingsley as a mob hit man with a drinking problem who is forced to accept a job at a mortuary and go to AA meetings.

In July 2010, the 75th Anniversary AA International Convention took place in San Antonio, Texas.

In December 2010, the American Journal of Public Health highlighted the continued sobriety of Alcoholics Anonymous after 75 years.

A 2011 biographical documentary film that tells the story of Bill Wilson using interviews, recreations, and rare archival material.

On November 30, 2012, a study by NIH National Library of Medicine examined the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous in a large clinical sample.

NIH National Library of Medicine provided an overview on August 26, 2013, regarding the effectiveness of 12-Step interventions and mutual support for alcohol use disorders.

An article by Samuel G. Freedman in The New York Times in 2014 discussing Alcoholics Anonymous without the religious aspect.

The 80th Anniversary International AA Convention took place in Atlanta, GA in July 2015. The theme of the convention was '80 Years – Happy, Joyous, and Free', reflecting the spirit of the AA community.

In May 2017, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc. filed a lawsuit in New York seeking the return of the original manuscript of the Big Book. The legal action sparked controversy within the AA community regarding the involvement of the parent organization in such matters.

In 2018, Alcoholics Anonymous had 2,087,840 members and 120,300 AA groups worldwide. The organization relies on voluntary contributions from members to cover expenses.

Released in 2019, Doctor Sleep is a sequel to The Shining, directed by Mike Flanagan and based on Stephen King's work. Ewan McGregor stars as a man who, after overcoming his own demons through AA, helps others do the same.

Stanford Medicine News Center reported on March 11, 2020, that Alcoholics Anonymous is considered the most effective path to alcohol abstinence.

On April 17, 2021, the General Service Board of AA approved a revised version of the AA Preamble, changing the description of AA from a fellowship of 'men and women' to one that is of 'people'. This change reflected the inclusivity of the AA community.

In March 2022, the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provided insights into alcohol use in the United States.