February 8

Scott Winters February 8, 2026 1 Comment

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1692 – A doctor in Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony suggested that two girls in the family of the village minister may be suffering from bewitchment, leading to the Salem witch trials.

1836 – In Michigan, the “Village of Kent” was recorded in the Kalamazoo Register. On February 6, 1844 it was renamed “Grand Rapids”.

1861 – The Confederate States of America was formed.

1896 – The Western Conference was formed by representatives of Midwestern universities. The group changed its name to the Big 10 Conference.

1910 – The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated by William D. Boyce.

1922 – The White House began using radio after President Warren Harding had it installed.

1936 – The first National Football League draft was held. Jay Berwanger was the first to be selected, by the Philadelphia Eagles.

1960 – The first eight brass star plaques were installed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The first star was for director Stanley Kramer.

1963 – The Kennedy administration prohibited travel to Cuba and made financial and commercial transactions with Cuba illegal for U.S. citizens.

1963 – Lamar Hunt, owner of the American Football League franchise in Dallas, TX, moved the operation to Kansas City and names the new team the Chiefs.

1968 – The movie “Planet of the Apes” premiered.

1969 – George Harrison’s tonsils were removed at London’s University College Hospital. The tonsils were destroyed so they could not be sold.

1969 – The last issue of the “Saturday Evening Post” was published. It was revived in 1971 as a quarterly publication and later a 6 times a year publication.

1971 – The Nasdaq stock-market index opened for the first time.

1973 – U.S. Senate leaders named seven members of a select committee to investigate the Watergate scandal.

1974 – After 84 days in space, the three-man crew of Skylab 4, the last crew to visit the American Space Station Skylab, returned to Earth.

1976 – The Martin Scorsese film “Taxi Driver”, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, & Cybill Shepherd, premiered in theaters. The film was written by Paul Schrader, who was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI.

1978 – Senate deliberations were broadcast on radio for the first time. The subject was the Panama Canal treaties.

1980 – President Jimmy Carter announced a plan to re-introduce draft registration.

1985 – Stroh’s Brewery closed its Detroit, MI, plant.

1985 – The television show “The Dukes of Hazzard” ended its 6-1/2 year run on CBS.

1993 – General Motors sued NBC, alleging that the news program “Dateline NBC” had rigged two car-truck crashes to show that some GM pickups were prone to fires if hit in certain places. NBC settled the suit the following day.

1996 – Congress passed the Communications Decency Act.

1998 – In the first female ice hockey game in Olympic history Finland beat Sweden 6-0.

2001 – Producers of “Baywatch” announced that the show would end in May. The series launched the careers of Pamela Anderson, Yasmine Bleeth and Carmen Electra.

2010 – MTV dropped the “Music Television” moniker from its logo.

2012 – Elizabeth Taylor’s collection of artworks by Vincent Van Gogh, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas sold for over $17 million at Christie’s in London.

2016 – Mexico’s president announced the recapture of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

2019 – Amazon founder Jeff Bezos accused “The National Enquirer” and its owner, American Media Inc., of blackmail over private messages detailing an extramarital affair.

BIRTHDAYS:

John Williams – 94 years old (1932) – Pianist, composer, and conductor

Ted Koppel – 86 years old (1940) – English-American journalist

Nick Nolte – 85 years old (1941) – Actor and producer

Tom Rush – 85 years old (1941) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Robert Klein – 84 years old (1942) – Comedian, actor, and singer

Creed Bratton – 83 years old (1943) – Actor and musician

Valerie Thomas – 83 years old (1943) – Scientist and inventor

Brooke Adams – 77 years old (1949) – Actress, producer, and screenwriter

Mary Steenburgen – 73 years old (1953) – Actress

John Grisham – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer and author

Marques Johnson – 70 years old (1956) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Vince Neil – 65 years old (1961) – Singer-songwriter and actor

Arlie Petters – 62 years old (1964) – Belizean-American mathematical physicist and academic

Michael Ansley – 59 years old (1967) – Basketball player

Mary Robinette Kowal – 57 years old (1969) – Puppeteer and author

Mary McCormack – 57 years old (1969) – Actress and producer

Stephanie Courtney – 56 years old (1970) – Actress and comedian

Alonzo Mourning – 56 years old (1970) – Basketball player and executive

Susan Misner – 55 years old (1971) – Actress

Big Show – 54 years old (1972) – Wrestler and actor

Seth Green – 52 years old (1974) – Actor, voice artist, comedian, producer, writer, and director

Joshua Morrow – 52 years old (1974) – Actor

Dave Farrell – 49 years old (1977) – Musician and songwriter

Aaron Cook – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player

William Jackson Harper – 46 years old (1980) – Actor

Jim Parrack – 45 years old (1981) – Actor

Cecily Strong – 42 years old (1984) – Actress

Jeremy Davis – 41 years old (1985) – Bass player and songwriter

Brian Randle – 41 years old (1985) – Basketball player and coach

Anderson .Paak – 40 years old (1986) – Singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer

JaJuan Johnson – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Julio Jones – 37 years old (1989) – Football player

Courtney Vandersloot – 37 years old (1989) – American-Hungarian basketball player

Bethany Hamilton – 36 years old (1990) – Surfer

Klay Thompson – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player

Leighton Vander Esch – 30 years old (1996) – Football player

Kathryn Newton – 29 years old (1997) – Actress

TODAY IS:

National Kite Flying Day: Colorful sails dancing in the sky, held by invisible strings, challenging the wind's whims in a delightful game of high-flying freedom.
Autism Sunday: Show support for those individuals who have autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families, by bringing the community together in honor of Autism Sunday! This observance invites people to combine compassion with practical action, creating space for reflection, learning, and better inclusion in everyday community life. How to Celebrate Autism...
National Boy Scout Day: National Boy Scout Day is a vibrant celebration recognizing the impact and values of the Boy Scouts of America. This day honors qualities like trustworthiness, loyalty, and kindness. The celebration highlights the organization's role in shaping the character and leadership skills of young people across the nation. Many notable figures...
National Molasses Bar Day: From rich gingerbread to sweet BBQ sauce, it's the secret ingredient in many beloved recipes, adding a deep, earthy sweetness.
Super Chicken Wing Day: Savoring succulent bites while cheering for the big game, relishing the communal thrill of indulgent sporting moments.
World Marriage Day: Finding your ultimate teammate in life, someone to laugh, love and share adventures with is like discovering the perfect hidden gem.
Laugh And Get Rich Day: Chuckles and giggles not only lift your spirits but can also keep you feeling fabulous and full of energy.
National Iowa Day: National Iowa Day celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Hawkeye State. Known for its rolling plains, lush farmland, and friendly people, Iowa offers a unique slice of American life. People celebrate National Iowa Day to honor the hardworking farmers who produce much of the nation's food. Iowa's fields yield...
Pork Rind Appreciation Day: National Pork Rind Day is a lively celebration dedicated to honoring one of America's favorite snacks. This day brings together pork rind lovers and snack enthusiasts to enjoy the crispy, savory treat. It's not just about indulging in a snack; it's about celebrating its unique texture and rich flavor, often...
National Homegating Day: National Homegating Day brings the excitement of tailgating into the comfort of your home. Instead of gathering at a stadium, people celebrate with friends and family in their living rooms. It involves all the usual tailgating fun—grilling, playing games, and enjoying food and drinks—right at home. This day is perfect...
Super Bowl Sunday: It's Super Bowl Sunday! Grab some friends, your favorite snacks, and get ready to cheer on your team. Whether you're a fan of the halftime show or just in it for the commercials, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Prešeren Day: Prešeren Day is a special celebration in Slovenia, honoring the nation's rich cultural and artistic heritage. This day shines a spotlight on Slovenia's most beloved poet, France Prešeren, whose works have left a lasting impact on the country's literature. His poetry embodies the spirit and struggles of the Slovenian people...
National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week: Helping hearts heal and getting lives back on track, it's a journey of recovery, strength, and renewed vitality.
International Week of Black Women in the Arts: The International Week of Black Women in the Arts celebrates Black female artists from various fields, including music, dance, literature, and visual arts. This celebration serves as a powerful reminder that diversity and inclusion enrich the arts, fostering a more vibrant and dynamic creative world! How to Celebrate International Week of...
National Hero Week: National Hero Week is a time to celebrate the heroes in our lives, both real and fictional. This week acknowledges the bravery and dedication of individuals who inspire us with their extraordinary actions. Whether it’s a comic book superhero or a real-life figure, these heroes embody the values we admire...
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...
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week is a special time dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of dogs that spend their lives chained or tethered outdoors. This week serves to inform people about the cruelty and dangers these dogs face daily. By bringing attention to their suffering, the...
Chiang Mai Flower Festival: The Chiang Mai Flower Festival transforms the city into a stunning floral paradise. Every year, vibrant displays of flowers line the streets and parks. The event features intricately decorated floats covered in colorful blooms, parading through the city. Marching bands and traditional dancers add to the festive atmosphere. Thousands of...
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: Raising awareness about a condition that affects many lives, reminding us of the strength within every heartbeat.
National Marriage Week: National Marriage Week is a lively celebration that highlights the significance of marriage and its impact on society. This event brings together various groups, including churches, community organizations, and individuals, to appreciate the importance of marriage. This event aims to strengthen marital relationships by encouraging couples to focus on their...
Chastity Week: Chastity Week is an important event that focuses on promoting sexual purity and self-control. It aims to encourage individuals, especially young people, to value abstinence and maintain moral integrity. This week serves as a reminder that respecting one's body and waiting for the right moment, typically marriage, is a significant...
Love a Mensch Week: Love a Mensch Week is a special time to recognize and appreciate individuals who embody the best qualities of human nature. The term "mensch" comes from Yiddish and refers to a person of integrity, kindness, and honor. The word has roots in the German word "Menschlichkeit," which emerged during the...
Pickle Time Week: Pickle Time Week is an exciting event dedicated to celebrating all things pickled. This week-long celebration highlights the beloved pickle and encourages people to indulge in their favorite pickled treats. Whether it's dill, sweet, or spicy, pickles are a delightful addition to many dishes, adding a burst of flavor. The...
National Salute to Veteran Patients: The National Salute to Veteran Patients is an important event honoring those who served our country. It's a lively and heartwarming week dedicated to recognizing and appreciating veteran patients in VA medical centers across the nation. From handing out Valentine’s cards to hosting meals and musical performances, the week is...
International Flirting Week: When words fail, a playful smile and an enticing wink might be just the ticket. Take a chance and let the flirtatious side of you shine!
Heart Failure Awareness Week: Heart Failure Awareness Week is a vibrant event dedicated to increasing knowledge about heart failure, a major health concern worldwide. This special week aims to highlight the importance of recognizing heart failure symptoms early and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. It's a time for healthcare providers, patients, and communities to...
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: With nimble fingers and creative minds these wordsmiths create content that speak to the hearts of readers everywhere.
National Kraut and Frankfurter Week: If you're looking for a meal that's both hearty and full of personality, look no further than the dynamic duo of sauerkraut and frankfurters!
Great American Pizza Bake: If you're looking for a slice of heaven, you can't go wrong with this cheesy, saucy masterpiece. The ultimate comfort food - pizza!
Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week: Growing up with a parent who struggles with alcoholism can be a difficult and traumatic experience for children, who may need support.
National Jell-O Week: This wiggly, jiggly treat has been a dessert staple for generations. Whether it's in a mold or in a cup, Jell-O is always a crowd-pleaser.
Royal Hobart Regatta: The Royal Hobart Regatta is a vibrant celebration that brings life to the waters of the River Derwent. It spans three days and is filled with exciting activities and showcases. Boats race across the water, and spectators cheer from the banks. The atmosphere is electric, with events ranging from sailing...