February 11

Scott Winters February 11, 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:

1752 – The Pennsylvania Hospital opened as the very first hospital in America.

1808 – Judge Jesse Fell tried burning anthracite coal to heat his home. He successfully showed how clean the coal burned and how cheaply it could be used as a heating fuel.

1827 – A meteor exploded in a fireball over the Grand River, in Grand Rapids, MI. Trader Louis Campau told the Indians it was a sign announcing the coming of the Europeans.

1937 – A sit-down strike ended when General Motors recognized the United Automobile Workers Union.

1941 – The first gold record was presented for the song “The Chattanooga Choo Choo” by the Glen Miller Orchestra and Dorothy Dandridge.

1957 – The National Hockey League Players Association was formed in New York, NY.

1958 – Ruth Carol Taylor became the first black woman to become a stewardess.

1960 – Jack Paar walked off the “Tonight Show” with four minutes of the live show remaining as a protest against censors deleting a four minute joke from the show the night before.

1964 – The Beatles played their first U.S. concert at the Coliseum in Washington, DC.

1968 – The new 20,000 seat Madison Square Garden officially opened in New York, NY. This was the fourth Garden.

1979 – The TV movie “Elvis,” with Kurt Russell, aired on ABC.

1982 – ABC’s presentation of television series “The Winds of War” concluded. The 18-hour miniseries cost $40 million to produce and was the most-watched television program in history at the time.

1984 – The tenth Space Shuttle mission returned to Earth safely.

1986 – The single “Superbowl Shuffle” by the Chicago Bears Shufflin’ Crew was certified gold.

1989 – Rev. Barbara C. Harris became the first woman to be consecrated as a bishop in the Episcopal Church.

1990 – Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity.

1990 – In Tokyo, Japan, James “Buster” Douglas (a 42-1 underdog) knocked out Mike Tyson in the tenth round to win the undisputed Heavyweight boxing title.

1993 – Janet Reno was appointed to the position of attorney general by President Bill Clinton. She was the first female to hold the position.

1997 – The Space Shuttle Discovery was launched on a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope.

2000 – The Space Shuttle Endeavor took off on a mission to gather information for the most detailed map of the Earth ever made.

2002 – The six stars on NBC’s television show “Friends” signed a deal for $24 million each for the series ninth and final season.

2006 – In Texas, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a companion during a quail hunt.

2013 – Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy, the first pontiff to resign in more than half a millennium.

2020 – The World Health Organization officially named the coronavirus outbreak as COVID-19, with the virus being designated SARS-CoV-2.

BIRTHDAYS:

Tina Louise – 92 years old (1934) – Actress and singer

Joy Williams – 82 years old (1944) – Novelist, short story writer, and essayist

James Silas – 77 years old (1949) – Basketball player

Mike Leavitt – 75 years old (1951) – Politician, 14th Governor of Utah

Philip Anglim – 73 years old (1953) – Actor

Jeb Bush – 73 years old (1953) – Banker and politician, 43rd Governor of Florida

Wesley Strick – 72 years old (1954) – Director and screenwriter

Catherine Hickland – 70 years old (1956) – Actress

Richard Mastracchio – 66 years old (1960) – Engineer and astronaut

Carey Lowell – 65 years old (1961) – Actress

Tammy Baldwin – 64 years old (1962) – Lawyer and politician

Diane Franklin – 64 years old (1962) – Actress

Sheryl Crow – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Sarah Palin – 62 years old (1964) – Politician, 9th Governor of Alaska

Ken Shamrock – 62 years old (1964) – Martial artist and wrestler

Mo Willems – 58 years old (1968) – Author and illustrator

Jennifer Aniston – 57 years old (1969) – Actress and producer

Kelly Slater – 54 years old (1972) – Surfer

Alex Jones – 52 years old (1974) – Radio show host and conspiracy theorist

Isaiah Mustafa – 52 years old (1974) – Actor and football player

Andy Lally – 51 years old (1975) – Race car driver

Jacque Vaughn – 51 years old (1975) – Basketball player and coach

Tony Battie – 50 years old (1976) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Mike Shinoda – 49 years old (1977) – Musician and artist

Roc Marciano – 48 years old (1978) – Rapper and record producer

Brandy Norwood – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Matthew Lawrence – 46 years old (1980) – Actor and singer

Kelly Rowland – 45 years old (1981) – Singer and actress

Daryn Colledge – 44 years old (1982) – Football player

Aubrey O'Day – 42 years old (1984) – Singer and reality television personality

Alando Tucker – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player and coach

Q'orianka Kilcher – 36 years old (1990) – German-American actress

Taylor Lautner – 34 years old (1992) – Actor

Jake Matthews – 34 years old (1992) – Football player

Ben McLemore – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Dansby Swanson – 32 years old (1994) – Baseball player

Damien Harris – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

Mike Hughes – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

Zavier Simpson – 29 years old (1997) – Basketball player

Trent Frederic – 28 years old (1998) – Ice hockey player

Josh Jacobs – 28 years old (1998) – Football player

Khalid – 28 years old (1998) – Singer and songwriter

Nassir Little – 26 years old (2000) – Basketball player

TODAY IS:

National Shut-in Visitation Day: National Shut-in Visitation Day is a special occasion that encourages people to reach out to those who are confined to their homes. This day highlights the importance of connecting with individuals who may feel isolated due to physical or mental conditions. A simple visit can bring immense joy and a sense...
World Day of the Sick: Facing challenges with strength, and compassion, those going through tough times and their supportive loved ones are a source of inspiration.
National Peppermint Patty Day: A delightful combination of cool, refreshing mint encased in rich, dark chocolate — a taste that tingles and satisfies in every bite.
National Get Out Your Guitar Day: Dust off the old six-string and relive the glory days. Reconnect with the magic of creating music and let your fingers do the talking.
National Latte Day: Velvety, creamy, and oh so delicious, lattes are the perfect pick-me-up with a shot of espresso and steamed milk.
National Inventors’ Day: From the lightbulb to the telephone, inventors ideas change the world, inspiring us to push the limits and innovate for a better future.
National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day: Life is too short to dwell on small mistakes. Keep your head up, learn from your spills, and keep moving forward!
National White Shirt Day: Celebrating when folks in factories banded together, rolled up their sleeves, and said, "We're in this together," shaping a new era for labor.
Satisfied Staying Single Day: Embracing the solo journey, relishing the freedom to chart your own course, and savoring life's adventures as a party of one.
Pro Sports Wives Day: The partners of professional athletes navigate a unique world, balancing careers, family, and the whirlwind of the sports spotlight.
Promise Day: Promise Day is a delightful part of Valentine's Week. It's a day dedicated to making and renewing commitments with loved ones. Couples and friends take this opportunity to express their dedication and loyalty through heartfelt promises. This day is more than just exchanging words; it’s about showing care and trust...
Grandmother Achievement Day: Grandmother Achievement Day is a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the incredible grandmothers in our lives. This special day shines a light on the love, wisdom, and support these wonderful women provide. Grandmothers often play pivotal roles in families, offering guidance and creating cherished memories. This day gives us a...
National Make a Friend Day: Having someone to laugh with, to cry with, and to share unforgettable moments with is one of life's greatest treasures.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Trailblazing minds, breaking barriers, these brilliant minds shape the future. Science celebrates diversity, empowering women and girls to flourish in innovation and discovery.
Be Electrific Day: Be Electrific Day is a vibrant celebration that encourages everyone to embrace energy and enthusiasm. This special day, honoring Thomas Edison, invites us to electrify our approach to life, bringing passion and excitement into our daily activities. It's all about embracing positivity and channeling our inner energy to inspire ourselves...
National Foundation Day: Japan's fascinating history includes epic battles and legendary figures, leading to the creation of a unique culture still thriving today.
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...
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...
World Ag Expo: The World Ag Expo is a vibrant event that showcases the latest advancements in agriculture. Held in Tulare, California, it attracts over 100,000 visitors and more than 1,200 exhibitors from around the world. Attendees get to explore cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space...
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!
Homes for Birds Week: Homes for Birds Week is a lively celebration dedicated to our feathered friends. This week reminds us of the joy and beauty birds bring to our lives. It's a time when people come together to create safe spaces for birds to nest and thrive. Whether you're an avid bird watcher...
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...
Love Data Week: Love Data Week is an annual event celebrated by data enthusiasts, researchers, and organizations around the globe. This lively event highlights the importance of data in our daily lives and its role in advancing knowledge. Activities during the week focus on engaging people with data through workshops, webinars, and community...
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!
National Secondhand Wardrobe Week: From retro jackets to one-of-a-kind boots, buying second-hand clothes is a fun and sustainable way to upgrade your wardrobe.
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.