Discover what happened on February 17 in history, including major historical events, notable celebrity birthdays, and fun Days of the Year celebrations.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1801 – The U.S. House of Representatives broke an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Jefferson was elected President and Burr became Vice President.
1817 – In Baltimore, MD, gas-lit streetlights were used for the first time.
1864 – Dmitri Mendeleev sorted elements by weights and properties and developed the first Periodic Table.
1876 – Julius Wolff became the first person to can sardines.
1878 – In San Francisco, CA, the first large city telephone exchange opened. It had only 18 phones.
1897 – The National Congress of Mothers was organized in Washington, DC, by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst. It was the forerunner of the National PTA.
1933 – The magazine “Newsweek” was published for the first time.
1933 – The Blaine Act ended Prohibition in the United States.
1933 – Blondie Boopadoop married Dagwood Bumstead three years after the debut of Chic Young’s popular comic strip “Blondie”.
1934 – The first high school automobile driver’s education course was introduced in State College, PA.
1959 – The first weather satellite, Vanguard 2, was launched to measure cloud-cover distribution.
1964 – In Wesberry vs. Sanders, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that congressional districts within each state had to be approximately equal in population.
1965 – The Ranger 8 probe launched on its mission to take photos of the Mare Tranquillitatis region of the Moon in preparation for the crewed Apollo missions.
1965 – Comedienne Joan Rivers made her first guest appearance on television’s “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson” on NBC.
1974 – A disgruntled U.S. Army private, Robert K. Preston, buzzed the White House in a stolen helicopter.
1985 – U.S. Postage stamp prices went from 20 cents to 22 cents for first class mail.
1992 – In Milwaukee, WI, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was sentenced to life in prison. In November of 1994, he was beaten to death in prison.
1996 – NASA’s Discovery Program began as the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft lifted off on the first mission ever to orbit and land on an asteroid (433 Eros).
1996 – World chess champion Garry Kasparov beat the IBM supercomputer “Deep Blue” in a chess match in Philadelphia, PA.
2002 – “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” passed “Star Wars: Episode One” to become the second highest-grossing movie of all time, earning $926 million at the box office. “Titanic”, with ticket sales of $1.8 billion remained the leader.
2004 – The Michigan Senate passed a bill forbidding mothers from breastfeeding their children in the front seat of a car.
2005 – President George W. Bush named John Negroponte as the first National Intelligence Director.
2007 – Britney Spears checked into — then out of — rehab, and had her head shaved at a California salon.
2014 – Jimmy Fallon made his debut as host of television’s “The Tonight Show” on NBC.
BIRTHDAYS:
Christina Pickles – 91 years old (1935) – English-American actress
Shahrnush Parsipur – 80 years old (1946) – Iranian-American author and academic
Becky Ann Baker – 73 years old (1953) – Actress
Lou Ann Barton – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter
Rene Russo – 72 years old (1954) – Actress
Richard Karn – 70 years old (1956) – Actor and game show host
Rowdy Gaines – 67 years old (1959) – Swimmer and sportscaster
Lou Diamond Phillips – 64 years old (1962) – Actor and director
Larry the Cable Guy – 63 years old (1963) – Comedian and voice actor
Jen-Hsun Huang – 63 years old (1963) – Taiwanese-American businessman, co-founded Nvidia
Michael Jordan – 63 years old (1963) – Basketball player, executive, and businessman
Michael Bay – 61 years old (1965) – Director and producer
Denise Richards – 55 years old (1971) – Model and actress
Billie Joe Armstrong – 54 years old (1972) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and producer
Drew Barry – 53 years old (1973) – Basketball player
Jerry O'Connell – 52 years old (1974) – Actor, director, and producer
Kelly Carlson – 50 years old (1976) – Actress and model
Conrad Ricamora – 47 years old (1979) – Actor
Josh Willingham – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player
Al Harrington – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player
Jason Ritter – 46 years old (1980) – Actor
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – 45 years old (1981) – Actor, director, and producer
Paris Hilton – 45 years old (1981) – Model, media personality, actress, singer, DJ, author and businesswoman
Brian Bruney – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Brett Kern – 40 years old (1986) – Football player
Case Keenum – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Chord Overstreet – 37 years old (1989) – Actor and singer
Phil Pressey – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player and coach
Jeremy Allen White – 35 years old (1991) – Actor
Meaghan Martin – 34 years old (1992) – Actress and singer
Mason Jobst – 32 years old (1994) – Ice hockey player
Madison Keys – 31 years old (1995) – Tennis player
Sasha Pieterse – 30 years old (1996) – South African-American actress and singer-songwriter
Devin White – 28 years old (1998) – Football player
TODAY IS:
- National Random Acts of Kindness Day: Brighten someone's day with unexpected kindness! Hold the door, pay for a coffee, or simply smile. Small gestures make a big difference!
- Fasnacht Day: Fasnacht Day is a lively celebration rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch and German traditions. It is observed the day before the start of Lent. It's all about indulgence, offering a chance to enjoy rich foods like fastnacht—delicious, dense pastries made from dough that’s often enriched with potatoes. These treats, which resemble...
- Global Tourism Resilience Day: Imagine the world bustling with travelers, from snowy peaks to sunny beaches, all exploring, learning, and connecting. Then, suddenly, a global pandemic hits, stopping everyone in their tracks. Airports turn into ghost towns, and once-crowded markets stand silent. This is the backdrop against which Global Tourism Resilience Day emerges. It's a...
- My Way Day: Be a trailblazer, a rebel with a cause, and embrace your unique quirks. Stand out, break the mold, and let your awesomeness shine brightly!
- Analog to Digital TV Day: Analog to Digital TV Day celebrates a significant technological shift. This transition improved how we watch TV by offering clearer images and sound. This day marks a pivotal moment in TV history, celebrating the advancements that have made our viewing experiences richer and more reliable. How to Celebrate Analog to Digital...
- Who Shall I Be Day: Who Shall I Be Day invites a pause from the usual rush and asks a deceptively simple question: who is a person becoming, on purpose? It centers on self-reflection, future aspirations, and the practical steps that turn a vague wish into a direction. Instead of demanding a single “right” answer...
- National Tennis Pro Day: In the world of tennis, a select few possess an unparalleled mastery — their skills and dedication truly remarkable.
- World Human Spirit Day: The profound connection to something greater brings a deep sense of peace and fulfillment. Nurturing the soul can lead to a life of serenity and joy.
- Champion Crab Races Day: Did you know crabs can be speedy racers? Imagine these tiny crustaceans zipping across a track while the crowd cheers them on. It's a hilarious spectacle that makes Champion Crab Races Day unforgettable! Champion Crab Races Day brings together communities for a day of fun and excitement. This special day revolves...
- National Public Science Day: Embracing the curiosity and wonder that fuel exploration, discovery, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
- Mardi Gras: Let the good times roll with Mardi Gras! This carnival season is a time for revelry, music, and colorful celebrations. So don your beads, masks, and feathers, and join in the fun of this festive occasion!
- National Cafe au Lait Day: National Cafe au Lait Day is a delightful celebration for coffee lovers everywhere. This special day honors the comforting and elegant French drink known as café au lait, which means "coffee with milk." It brings attention to the simple pleasure of combining freshly brewed coffee with warm, steamed milk. The...
- National Cabbage Day: This crunchy, leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrition. Sliced raw in salads or cooked in stews, cabbages add flavor and texture to any dish.
- Chinese New Year: A joyous annual celebration of new beginnings, family gatherings, and traditional foods, steeped in symbolism and rich history.
- Kosovo Independence Day: Kosovo Independence Day is a vibrant celebration filled with national pride and unity. The day marks a significant moment in Kosovo's history when it declared itself an independent country. By celebrating this day, Kosovars express their gratitude and look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future together! How to Celebrate...
- Pancake Day: Fluffy, golden discs of happiness that make mornings magical, there's nothing quite like a stack of pancakes to start your day off right.
- Korean New Year: During this joyous occasion, families exchange gifts, eat delicious food, play traditional games, and dress up in colorful hanbok attire.
- Carnival of Brazil: Samba music, vibrant costumes, and non-stop dancing—this annual festival in Rio de Janeiro is the ultimate party experience you won't forget!
- National Nest Box Week: If you want to invite more birds to your yard, consider putting up some cozy little homes for these feathered friends!
- Goa Carnival: The Goa Carnival is a vibrant festival that takes over the streets with a wave of color, music, and celebration. It lasts for several days and is marked by grand parades filled with dazzling floats, energetic dancers, and talented musicians. The excitement begins with a spirited procession led by "King...
- Carnaval de Barranquilla: If you ever visit Carnaval de Barranquilla, you'll find yourself immersed in a whirlwind of color and music. The entire city transforms into a giant celebration, with lively parades and dazzling costumes at every turn. Streets become stages where everyone participates, moving to the infectious rhythms of cumbia and vallenato...
- Real Bread Week: Real bread is a joy to behold! Made with natural ingredients and baked to perfection, each bite is a heavenly experience.
- The Carnival of Binche: The Carnival of Binche is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets with color, music, and joy. Crowds gather to witness the lively parade of masked participants, known as Gilles, who throw oranges into the cheering crowd. The Carnival of Binche honors tradition and community spirit. It celebrates the town's...
- Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
- National Condom Week: Staying safe and responsible, these essential items help ensure intimate moments are worry-free and protected for all involved.
- Love Teaching Week: Love Teaching Week is a vibrant celebration that spotlights educators' passion for their work. This annual event brings teachers together to reflect on the joy, fulfillment, and personal meaning they find in their profession. During the week, educators across the globe share their inspiring stories and moments of connection with...
- Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week: Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week is a time to celebrate unity and friendship among all people. It encourages everyone to appreciate each other's differences and build stronger bonds. By participating in this week, people learn to support and uplift one another. This spirit of unity helps create a more peaceful and loving...
- National Drink Wine with Your Cat Week: National Drink Wine With Your Cat Week is exactly what it sounds like—an excuse to relax with your favorite furry roommate. You sip your glass of wine, they lap up a cat‑friendly drink made just for them. It’s not real wine, of course—just a fun mix with catnip and beet...
- National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week is a vital time dedicated to spreading knowledge about Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This week is crucial because it highlights the challenges faced by individuals with this severe genetic disorder. The goal is to increase understanding and support for those affected, encouraging the public to...
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week focuses on the education and training of those who care for individuals with these conditions. This special event highlights the importance of providing caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to offer the best possible care. This week's training covers various...
- Through with the Chew: Through with the Chew is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. This day aims to inform the public about the severe health risks associated with chewing tobacco, such as cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. How to Celebrate Through with the Chew Get...
- Build a Better Trade Show Image Week: Build a Better Trade Show Image Week is an exciting event focused on enhancing how businesses present themselves at trade shows. This special week highlights the importance of creating a compelling trade show presence. Trade shows offer a unique opportunity to connect directly with potential customers, making it crucial for...
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