History of Martha Stewart in Timeline
Martha Stewart is an American businesswoman, writer, and television personality best known for founding Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Her company focuses on home and hospitality, achieving success through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She authored bestselling books, published *Martha Stewart Living* magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like *Martha Stewart Living* and *The Martha Stewart Show*, solidifying her brand as a lifestyle expert.
1912: Edward Kostyra Born
In 1912, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, was born. He passed away in 1979.
1914: Martha Ruszkowski Born
In 1914, Martha Stewart's mother, Martha (née Ruszkowski), was born. She passed away in 2007.
1922: Skylands gardens designed
In 1922, the gardens at Skylands, the former summer estate of Edsel Ford, were designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen.
August 3, 1941: Martha Stewart Born
On August 3, 1941, Martha Helen Stewart (née Kostyra) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She is the second of six children.
July 1961: Martha Stewart Married Andrew Stewart
In July 1961, Martha Stewart married Andrew Stewart, who was finishing his law degree at Yale Law School.
1961: Marriage to Andrew Stewart
In 1961, Martha Stewart married Andrew Stewart, who was then a student at Yale Law School.
1965: Birth of daughter Alexis
In 1965, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart had their only child, a daughter named Alexis.
1967: Martha Stewart Becomes a Stockbroker
In 1967, Martha Stewart began a second career as a stockbroker, following in her father-in-law's profession.
1976: Martha Stewart Starts Catering Business
In 1976, Martha Stewart started a catering business in her basement with a friend from her modeling days, Norma Collier.
1977: Andrew Stewart Released The Secret Book of Gnomes
In 1977, Andrew Stewart, as president of Harry N. Abrams, Inc., released the English-language edition of The Secret Book of Gnomes series, which became a bestseller. Martha Stewart's catering company catered the book release party.
1979: Death of Martha Stewart's Father
In 1979, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, passed away.
December 13, 1982: Entertaining by Martha Stewart Released
On December 13, 1982, Martha Stewart's first book, Entertaining, ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, was released. This cookbook featured recipes and photos from parties Stewart hosted.
1983: Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Released
In 1983, Martha Stewart's book, Martha Stewart's Quick Cook, was released under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1984: Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Released
In 1984, Martha Stewart's book, Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres, was released under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1985: Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts Released
In 1985, Martha Stewart's book, Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts, was released under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1987: Andrew and Martha Stewart Separated
In 1987, Andrew and Martha Stewart separated.
1987: Separation from Andrew Stewart
In 1987, Martha Stewart and her husband, Andrew Stewart, separated.
1987: Weddings Released
In 1987, Martha Stewart's book, Weddings, ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, was released under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1988: The Wedding Planner, Martha Stewart's Secrets for Entertaining, Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus released
In 1988, Martha Stewart released multiple books: The Wedding Planner, Martha Stewart's Secrets for Entertaining, and Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1989: Martha Stewart's Christmas Released
In 1989, Martha Stewart's book, Martha Stewart's Christmas, was released under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1990: Andrew and Martha Stewart Divorced
In 1990, Andrew and Martha Stewart divorced.
1990: Divorce from Andrew Stewart
In 1990, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart divorced.
1990: Martha Stewart Living Magazine Developed
In 1990, Martha Stewart signed with Time Publishing Ventures to develop a new magazine, Martha Stewart Living, for which she would serve as editor-in-chief. The first issue was released in late 1990.
1993: Martha Stewart Living TV Program Begins
In 1993, Martha Stewart started a weekly half-hour television program called Martha Stewart Living, based on her magazine.
May 1995: Stewart Declared 'Definitive American Woman'
In the May 1995 issue, New York Magazine declared Martha Stewart "the definitive American woman of our time".
1995: Golden Plate Award
In 1995, Martha Stewart received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.
September 1997: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Founded
In September 1997, Martha Stewart, with the assistance of Sharon Patrick, secured funding to purchase the various television, print, and merchandising ventures related to the Martha Stewart brand and consolidate them into a new company, named Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO).
1997: Edison Achievement Award
In 1997, Martha Stewart was honored with an Edison Achievement Award for her commitment to innovation throughout her career.
1997: Martha Stewart Living Show Expanded to Weekdays
In 1997, the Martha Stewart Living television program expanded from a weekly half-hour show to weekdays.
October 19, 1999: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Goes Public
On October 19, 1999, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia went public on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MSO. The initial public offering was set at US$18 per share.
1999: Martha Stewart Living Show Expanded to Full Hour
In 1999, Martha Stewart Living TV show expanded to a full hour show with half-hour episodes on weekends.
December 27, 2001: Stewart Sells ImClone Systems Stock
On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all 3,928 shares of her ImClone Systems stock, avoiding a loss of $45,673, after receiving material, nonpublic information. The stock value fell 16% the following day.
February 2002: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Stock Price Drops
By February 2002, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's stock price had decreased to $16 per share after going public in 1999.
June 25, 2002: Stewart Grilled About ImClone on The Early Show
On June 25, 2002, CBS anchor Jane Clayson questioned Martha Stewart about the ImClone stock trading case during her regular segment on The Early Show.
October 3, 2002: Stewart Resigns from New York Stock Exchange Board
On October 3, 2002, Martha Stewart resigned from her position on the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange, following a deal prosecutors had made with Douglas Faneuil.
2002: Martha Stewart Living Circulation Peaks
In 2002, Martha Stewart Living magazine reached its peak circulation, with more than 2 million copies per issue.
June 4, 2003: Stewart Indicted by Grand Jury
On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted by a grand jury on nine counts, including charges of obstruction of justice, related to the ImClone stock trading case.
2003: Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart
In 2003, a television film titled "Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart" was made about Martha Stewart's life. Cybill Shepherd portrayed her in the film.
January 2004: Stewart's Trial Begins
In January 2004, Martha Stewart went on trial on charges including obstruction of justice related to the ImClone case. Prosecutors aimed to show that Stewart was informed about ImClone's CEO selling his shares before an adverse FDA ruling.
March 2004: Stewart Found Guilty
In March 2004, after a six-week jury trial, Martha Stewart was found guilty of felony charges including conspiracy to obstruct, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.
July 2004: Stewart Sentenced
In July 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to a five-month term in a federal correctional facility and a two-year period of supervised release (including five months of electronic monitoring) after being found guilty of felony charges.
October 8, 2004: Stewart reports to prison
On October 8, 2004, Martha Stewart reported to FPC Alderson to begin her prison sentence.
2004: Stewart Confined to Federal Prison Camp
In 2004, Martha Stewart was confined to Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, after her lawyer's request for incarceration in Connecticut or Florida was denied. The remoteness of Alderson made it difficult for her then-90-year-old mother to visit.
2004: Beam v. Stewart Derivative Suit Dismissed
In 2004, Monica Beam, a shareholder of MSLO, brought a derivative suit against Stewart and other directors and officers of the company. It went before the Supreme Court of Delaware and was ultimately dismissed.
2004: End of Martha Stewart Living TV Program
In 2004, the Martha Stewart Living show, which began as a weekly half-hour program in 1993, ended its run.
March 4, 2005: Stewart released from prison
On March 4, 2005, Martha Stewart was released from FPC Alderson at 12:30 AM and began a two-year term of supervised release, including five months of home confinement with electronic monitoring.
March 2005: Martha Stewart Released from Prison
In March 2005, Martha Stewart was released from federal prison after serving five months for felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case.
March 2005: Stewart's Comeback After Prison
In March 2005, after her release from prison, Martha Stewart launched a highly publicized comeback and became involved in Martha Stewart Living once again.
September 2005: Stewart's Television Comeback
In September 2005, Martha Stewart returned to daytime television with "The Martha Stewart Show" and appeared in "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart", both produced by Mark Burnett.
October 2005: Release of 'The Martha Rules'
In October 2005, Martha Stewart released her new book, "The Martha Rules", which focuses on starting and managing a new business.
November 2005: Launch of Sirius Radio Channel
In November 2005, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) launched a 24-hour satellite radio channel with Sirius, featuring a weekly call-in show hosted by Stewart.
2005: The Martha Stewart Show Begins
In 2005, Martha Stewart launched a new syndicated television program titled The Martha Stewart Show.
2005: Martha: Behind Bars
In 2005, another television film, "Martha: Behind Bars," chronicling Martha Stewart's life was released, with Cybill Shepherd reprising her role.
2005: Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Vintage
The 2005 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon was included in the Martha Stewart Vintage wine collection.
July 2006: Partnership with FLOR, Inc.
In July 2006, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced a multi-year agreement with FLOR, Inc. to manufacture and market a new line of Martha Stewart-branded carpet tiles.
August 2006: SEC Settles Civil Case Against Stewart
In August 2006, the SEC announced that it had agreed to settle the related civil case against Martha Stewart. Stewart agreed to disgorge $58,062 and pay a civil penalty of $137,019, and was banned for five years from serving as an officer of any public company.
October 2006: Publication of 'Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook'
In October 2006, "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook", a reference book about looking after a house, was published by Clarkson Potter.
November 16, 2006: Guest appearance on 'Ugly Betty'
On November 16, 2006, Martha Stewart made a special appearance on the "Ugly Betty" episode "Four Thanksgivings and a Funeral", giving cooking tips.
2006: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Returns to Profitability
In 2006, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia returned to profitability following Stewart's comeback campaign after her prison term.
2006: Completion of first KB Homes
In early 2006, the first Martha Stewart-inspired homes built by KB Home were completed in Cary, North Carolina.
2006: Sonoma County Chardonnay Wine Vintage
The 2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay was included in the Martha Stewart Vintage wine collection.
September 14, 2007: Partnership with E & J Gallo Winery
On September 14, 2007, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced a partnership with E & J Gallo Winery to produce a wine brand labeled Martha Stewart Vintage.
September 2007: Launch of upscale housewares line for Macy's
In September 2007, Martha Stewart launched an upscale line of housewares for Macy's, which included over 2,000 items and was the largest brand launch in Macy's history.
November 16, 2007: Death of Martha Kostyra
On November 16, 2007, Martha Stewart's mother, Martha Kostyra (also called "Big Martha"), died at the age of 93.
2007: Footage of Charles Simonyi on TV Show
In 2007, Martha Stewart featured footage of Charles Simonyi as a space tourist aboard Soyuz on her television show.
2007: Debut of Martha Stewart Floor Designs
In 2007, the Martha Stewart Floor Designs by FLOR line debuted with a design and color palette associated with the Martha Stewart brand.
2007: Death of Martha Stewart's Mother
Martha Stewart's mother, Martha (née Ruszkowski), passed away in 2007.
January 2008: Sale of Martha Stewart Vintage Wine
In January 2008, Martha Stewart Vintage wines went on sale in six cities.
February 2008: Breakup with Charles Simonyi
Around February 2008, Martha Stewart broke up with billionaire Charles Simonyi, after dating him on and off for 15 years.
June 2008: Stewart Denied UK Visa
In June 2008, the UK Border Agency refused to grant Martha Stewart a visa to enter the United Kingdom due to her criminal conviction for obstructing justice.
July 2008: Launch of craft items at Walmart
In July 2008, craft items under the names "Martha Stewart Celebrate" and "Martha Stewart Create", divisions of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, premiered in Walmart stores.
January 26, 2010: Partnership with Hallmark Channel
On January 26, 2010, Hallmark Channel and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced a multi-year strategic partnership.
September 13, 2010: Move to Hallmark Channel
On September 13, 2010, Martha Stewart's hour-long daytime television series, "Martha" (formerly "The Martha Stewart Show"), moved to the Hallmark Channel.
2011: Debut of 'Martha Bakes'
In 2011, Martha Stewart debuted a new 30-minute show, "Martha Bakes", on the Hallmark Channel.
2011: Stewart Rejoined Board of Directors
In 2011, Martha Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
April 2012: Appearance on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
In April 2012, Martha Stewart made an acting debut on the NBC legal drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", playing a private school headmistress in the episode "Learning Curve".
May 11, 2012: Final Episode Airing on Hallmark Channel
On May 11, 2012, the final episode of Martha Stewart's show aired on the Hallmark Channel, after being cancelled in early 2012.
October 2012: Debut of 'Martha Stewart's Cooking School'
In October 2012, a new television series, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School", debuted on PBS, focusing on cooking techniques and basics, based on her book of the same name.
2012: Stewart Became Chairwoman Again
In 2012, Martha Stewart became chairwoman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia again.
2012: The Martha Stewart Show Ends
In 2012, The Martha Stewart Show, which began in 2005, concluded its run.
2014: Partnership with eBay
In 2014, Martha Stewart partnered with eBay to create the American Made Martha Stewart online store, providing a platform for American vendors.
2015: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Acquired
In 2015, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia was acquired by Sequential Brands.
2015: Appearance on Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber
In 2015, Martha Stewart appeared on the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber, which helped revive her public image.
2016: Cameo Appearance in Bad Moms
In 2016, Martha Stewart made a cameo appearance in the comedy film "Bad Moms".
2016: Premiere of 'Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party'
In the fall of 2016, VH1 premiered a new show featuring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg called "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party."
February 2017: Super Bowl commercial with Snoop Dogg
In February 2017, Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg starred together in a Super Bowl commercial for T-Mobile.
May 2018: Consideration for Presidential Pardon
In May 2018, Martha Stewart was considered as a candidate for a presidential pardon, but was not selected.
June 2018: Recurring Judge on 'Chopped'
In June 2018, Martha Stewart began appearing as a recurring judge for "Chopped", a cooking competition on the Food Network.
October 2018: Appearance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'
In October 2018, Martha Stewart appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" alongside Julia Roberts.
2018: Induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2018, Martha Stewart was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
February 2019: Adviser for Canopy Growth
In February 2019, Martha Stewart joined Canopy Growth (CGC), a Canadian marijuana company, as an adviser.
April 2019: Sequential Brands Group Agreed to Sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
In April 2019, Sequential Brands Group agreed to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
2019: Stewart Enters Cannabis Industry
In 2019, it was reported that Martha Stewart was entering the cannabis industry with her own brand.
July 31, 2020: Premiere of 'Martha Knows Best'
On July 31, 2020, "Martha Knows Best", a gardening show, premiered on HGTV, featuring Martha Stewart providing gardening help.
September 2020: Launch of CBD Gummy Supplements
In September 2020, Martha Stewart launched a line of CBD gummy supplements in association with Canopy Growth.
December 4, 2020: Airing of Martha Knows Best Season Finale
On December 4, 2020, the second season of Martha Knows Best came to an end.
2020: Induction into Licensing International Hall of Fame
In 2020, Martha Stewart was inducted into the Licensing International Hall of Fame.
2020: Discovery of kinship with Jimmy Kimmel
In 2020, an appearance by Jimmy Kimmel on the TV show "Finding Your Roots" revealed that he and Martha Stewart are cousins.
July 1, 2021: Premiere of 'Martha Gets Down and Dirty'
On July 1, 2021, "Martha Gets Down and Dirty" premiered on Discovery+ as a continuation of the Martha Knows Best series.
June 15, 2022: Snoop Dogg as First Podcast Guest
On June 15, 2022, it was announced that Snoop Dogg would be the guest on the first episode of "The Martha Stewart Podcast".
June 2022: Launch of 'The Martha Stewart Podcast'
In June 2022, Martha Stewart announced she would be launching her first original podcast, entitled "The Martha Stewart Podcast", in partnership with iHeart Radio.
June 22, 2022: Debut of 'The Martha Stewart Podcast'
On June 22, 2022, "The Martha Stewart Podcast" debuted with Snoop Dogg as the first guest.
September 2022: Lawsuit over CBD Product Packaging
In September 2022, Oregon-based CBD producer Wyld filed a lawsuit against Martha Stewart's company for copyright infringement relating to the packaging of the line of CBD products.
May 2023: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
In May 2023, Martha Stewart appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, becoming the oldest model to be featured on the cover at 81 years old.
2023: Stewart on Sports Illustrated Cover
In 2023, at the age of 81, Martha Stewart became the oldest woman to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue magazine.
2024: Netflix Documentary 'Martha' Released
In 2024, a Netflix documentary titled Martha, directed by R. J. Cutler, was released about Martha Stewart.
2024: Release of Documentary Film Martha
In 2024, the documentary film "Martha," directed by R. J. Cutler, about Martha Stewart was released.
2024: Equivalent Value of Initial Public Offering and Rallying Stock Price
In 2024, the initial public offering of US$18 per share (set in October 19, 1999) is equivalent to $34. The rallying stock price of US$38 (by the end of trading) is equivalent to $72.
2025: Co-hosting Yes, Chef!
In 2025, Martha Stewart is set to co-host the reality cooking competition "Yes, Chef!" on NBC with José Andrés.
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