February 19

Scott Winters February 19, 2026 0 Comments

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:

1807 – Former U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr was arrested in Wakefield, AL. He was later tried and acquitted on charges of treason.

1846 – The formal transfer of government between Texas and the United States took place. Texas had officially become a state on December 29, 1845.

1856 – Professor Hamilton L. Smith patented the tintype camera.

1859 – Daniel E. Sickles, a New York Congressman, was acquitted of murder on grounds of temporary insanity. It was the first time this defense was successfully used in the United States.

1875 – The first ice cream soda was reportedly created by a Detroit druggist named Fred Sanders. He added ice cream to a flavored carbonated beverage to create the popular treat.

1878 – Thomas Edison patented a music player he called the phonograph.

1881 – Kansas became the first state to prohibit all alcoholic beverages.

1912 – Cracker Jack began putting surprise prizes in every box.

1945 – During World War II, about 30,000 U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima.

1968 – Fred Rogers first invited a national television audience into his neighborhood when “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” debuted on TV.

1972 – Sammy Davis Jr. made his legendary guest appearance on TV’s “All in the Family”, where he left his briefcase in a cab driven by Archie Bunker.

1981 – The Ford Motor Company announced its loss of $1.5 billion.

1985 – Mickey Mouse was welcomed to China as part of the 30th anniversary of Disneyland. The touring mouse played 30 cities in 30 days.

1985 – William Schroeder became the first artificial-heart patient to leave the confines of the hospital.

1985 – Cherry Coke was introduced by the Coca-Cola Company.

1986 – The Soviet Union launched the Mir space station.

1987 – A controversial, anti-smoking public service announcement aired for the first time on television. Yul Brynner made it clear in the ad that he would have died from cigarette smoking before ad aired. He filmed the ad shortly before dying of lung cancer.

1997 – Miles Davis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1999 – The movie “Office Space” premiered in theaters.

1999 – Dennis Franz received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2001 – President George Bush dedicated the Oklahoma City Museum, which displays mementos from the Timothy McVeigh terrorist bomb explosion of April 19th, 1995.

2002 – NASA’s Mars Odyssey spacecraft began using its thermal emission imaging system to map Mars.

2004 – Former Enron Corp. chief executive Jeffrey Skilling was charged with fraud, insider trading and other crimes in connection with the energy trader’s collapse. Skilling was later convicted and sentenced to more than 24 years in prison.

2005 – The USS Jimmy Carter was commissioned at Groton, CT. It was the last of the Seawolf class of attack submarines.

2008 – Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency. His brother Raul was later named as his successor.

2010 – Tiger Woods delivers a televised speech from the PGA Tour’s Florida headquarters admitting he’d been unfaithful to wife Elin Nordegren.

BIRTHDAYS:

Joseph P. Kerwin – 94 years old (1932) – Captain, physician, and astronaut

Frederick Seidel – 90 years old (1936) – Poet

Smokey Robinson – 86 years old (1940) – Singer-songwriter and producer

David Gross – 85 years old (1941) – Physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Paul Krause – 84 years old (1942) – Football player and politician

Homer Hickam – 83 years old (1943) – Author and engineer

Les Hinton – 82 years old (1944) – English-American journalist and businessman

Mark Andes – 78 years old (1948) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

William Messner-Loebs – 77 years old (1949) – Author and illustrator

Amy Tan – 74 years old (1952) – Novelist, essayist, and short story writer

Michael Gira – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Jeff Daniels – 71 years old (1955) – Actor and playwright

Peter Holsapple – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Roderick MacKinnon – 70 years old (1956) – Biologist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Dave Stewart – 69 years old (1957) – Baseball player, coach, and executive

Leslie David Baker – 68 years old (1958) – Actor

Roger Goodell – 67 years old (1959) – Businessman, 6th National Football League Commissioner

Jessica Tuck – 63 years old (1963) – Actress

Doug Aldrich – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Jennifer Doudna – 62 years old (1964) – Biochemist

Jonathan Lethem – 62 years old (1964) – Novelist, essayist, and short story writer

Jon Fishman – 61 years old (1965) – Drummer

Clark Hunt – 61 years old (1965) – Businessman

Leroy – 61 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Justine Bateman – 60 years old (1966) – Actress and producer

Burton C. Bell – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Bellamy Young – 56 years old (1970) – Actress

Jeff Kinney – 55 years old (1971) – Author and illustrator

Francine Fournier – 54 years old (1972) – Wrestler and manager

Sunset Thomas – 54 years old (1972) – Pornographic actress

Eric Lange – 53 years old (1973) – Actor

Daewon Song – 51 years old (1975) – South Korean-American skateboarder, co-founded Almost Skateboards

Andrew Ross Sorkin – 49 years old (1977) – Journalist and author

Immortal Technique – 48 years old (1978) – Peruvian-American rapper

Steve Cherundolo – 47 years old (1979) – Soccer player and manager

Dwight Freeney – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Mike Miller – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player

Beth Ditto – 45 years old (1981) – Singer

Ryan Whitney – 43 years old (1983) – Ice hockey player

Jawad Williams – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player

Chris Richardson – 42 years old (1984) – Singer-songwriter

Haylie Duff – 41 years old (1985) – Actress and singer

Arielle Kebbel – 41 years old (1985) – Actress and model

Josh Reddick – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player

Seth Morrison – 38 years old (1988) – Guitarist

Trevor Bayne – 35 years old (1991) – Race car driver

Camille Kostek – 34 years old (1992) – Model

Cody Parkey – 34 years old (1992) – Football player

Victoria Justice – 33 years old (1993) – Actress and singer

D. J. Wilson – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Chappell Roan – 28 years old (1998) – Singer and songwriter

David Mazouz – 25 years old (2001) – Actor

TODAY IS:

Prevent Plagiarism Day: Prevent Plagiarism Day serves as a reminder to honor original work and maintain integrity in writing. Celebrated annually, it emphasizes the importance of crediting the creators of original content. At its heart, the day is about respect: respect for the time it takes to research, draft, revise, and publish ideas, and...
National Lash Day: National Lash Day is a lively celebration of the beauty and function of eyelashes. It highlights the importance of both natural and artificial lashes. This special day draws attention to how lashes enhance our appearance and protect our eyes from dust and other particles. It’s a day to appreciate these small...
Constantin Brancusi Day: A renowned sculptor who created modern art and was influential in the development of modernism, his works often depicted simplified forms.
National Whippet Day: Racing at speed up to 35 miles per hour but also relishing time as a couch potato, whippets are a fascinating breed of dogs that deserves to be celebrated. National Whippet Day is here to do just that! How to Celebrate National Whippet Day Spoil Your Whippet Those folks who already have a...
International Tug of War Day: Two teams fiercely pull a rope in opposite directions in this exciting competition that has been around for centuries.
National Chocolate Mint Day: A delightful blend of refreshing and rich, the combination of cool mint and smooth cocoa is a match made in dessert heaven.
Skate Shop Day: Skate Shop Day celebrates the heart of every skate scene—the local shop. These spots aren't just stores; they're hangouts, launchpads, and lifelines. Friends swap stories, grab new gear, and talk tricks. The vibe is real, grounded, and full of energy. Skaters old and new stop by to say thanks, grab something...
U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday: The U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday is a special day honoring the vital contributions of the Coast Guard Reserve. This day celebrates the dedicated individuals who support national security, maritime safety, and disaster response. Their work ensures that our waterways remain safe and that the Coast Guard can fulfill its mission...
National Vet Girls ROCK Day: National Vet Girls ROCK Day is a special occasion that celebrates the contributions of women veterans in the U.S. military. These women have served bravely and made significant sacrifices for the country. The day reminds us to honor their dedication and the unique challenges they face both during and after...
National Arabian Horse Day: National Arabian Horse Day celebrates the elegance and charm of Arabian horses, one of the oldest horse breeds. This day highlights their unique traits and the joy they bring to horse lovers everywhere. Arabian horses are known for their beauty, intelligence, and strong bond with humans, making them cherished companions...
World Anthropology Day: While anthropology might sound like a strangely scientific word, it is actually a field that is rather close to home. In fact, anthropology is the study of human societies, how people interact with one another in cultures, and how these cultures have developed over time into the modern era. World Anthropology...
Iwo Jima Day: Iwo Jima Day honors the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. Marines who fought in one of World War II's most intense battles. This day is more than just a remembrance of a historical event; it highlights the courage and determination shown during the battle. The iconic image of Marines...
National Airboat Day: National Airboat Day celebrates one of the loudest, windiest, most delightfully oddball ways to explore a wetland: the airboat. Built to skim across water too shallow for most vessels, airboats turn marshes, swamps, and grassy flats into navigable “roads,” offering riders a close look at wildlife and wide-open scenery that...
National Hickey Day: Expressing affection through subtle, passionate marks that communicate a connection beyond words, leaving a unique, shared signature.
Great American Spit Out: Many people think smokeless tobacco is safer than smoking, but it's not. It can cause mouth cancer, gum disease, and other serious health issues. The Great American Spit Out is a powerful day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco. History of Great American Spit Out The Great American...
Shivaji Jayanti: Commemorating a great Indian warrior and leader who fought against injustice and oppression, inspiring generations with his valor and ideals.
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!
Real Bread Week: Real bread is a joy to behold! Made with natural ingredients and baked to perfection, each bite is a heavenly experience.
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.
Simplot Games: The Simplot Games is an exhilarating event held annually at Idaho State University's ICCU Dome. Known as North America's premier high school indoor track and field meet, it draws thousands of young athletes from around the world. Athletes come not just to compete but to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and...
Whooping Crane Festival: The Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas, is a lively and engaging event celebrating the return of the whooping cranes to their winter habitat. Held annually, this festival draws bird lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families to witness these magnificent birds up close. This exciting event brings together people of...
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...
Ramadan: During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spiritual reflection and community. Ramadan is a time for self-improvement and bringing people together in celebration of faith.