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:
1855 – Michigan State University was established.
1878 – The baseball catcher’s mask was patented by Frederick W. Thayer.
1879 – The first artificial ice rink opened in North America. It was at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY.
1880 – The National Croquet League was organized in Philadelphia, PA.
1892 – President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was declared to be a National holiday.
1909 – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.
1915 – The cornerstone of the Lincoln Memorial was laid in Washington, DC.
1918 – All theaters in New York, NY, were shut down in an effort to conserve coal.
1924 – President Calvin Coolidge made the first presidential political speech on radio.
1924 – “The Eveready Hour” became radio’s first sponsored network program. The National Carbon Company was the first sponsor of a network show.
1931 – Bela Lugosi starred as Count Dracula when the movie “Dracula” premiered in theaters.
1940 – Mutual Radio presented the first broadcast of the radio play “The Adventures of Superman”.
1963 – Construction began on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO.
1971 – The advertising song “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” was first used by Coca Cola. The song was rewritten and recorded as “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” by The New Seekers, and released a few months later in November of 1971.
1973 – The state of Ohio became the first to go metric, posting distance signs in kilometers.
1973 – American Prisoners of War were released for the first time during the Vietnam conflict.
1985 – Johnny Carson surprised his audience by shaving the beard he had been wearing on “The Tonight Show”.
1989 – Tiny Tim declared himself a New York City mayoral candidate. He did not win in the election.
1993 – The movie “Groundhog Day”, starring Bill Murray, debuted in theaters.
1997 – The day after the release of his “Earthling” album, David Bowie received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1999 – President Bill Clinton was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on two impeachment articles. The charges were perjury and obstruction of justice.
2001 – The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered Napster to stop its users from trading copyrighted material without charge.
2001 – The space probe NEAR touched down in the “saddle” region of the asteroid 433 Eros. It was the first time that any craft had landed on an asteroid.
2002 – Kenneth Lay, former Enron CEO, exercised his constitutional rights and refused to testify to Congress about the collapse of Enron.
2004 – Mattel announced that “Barbie” and “Ken” were breaking up. The dolls had met on the set of their first television commercial together in 1961.
2008 – The 14-week Writers Guild of America strike finally ended.
2009 – Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed into a house in Clarence Center, NY, while on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, killing all on board and one person on the ground.
2010 – Mark Grimmette of Muskegon, MI, carried the USA flag during the opening ceremony for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
2010 – The remake of the song “We Are The World” premiered at the opening of the Winter Olympics.
2019 – Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was found guilty of all 10 federal crimes against him in New York, NY.
BIRTHDAYS:
Anne Osborn Krueger – 92 years old (1934) – Economist and academic
Judy Blume – 88 years old (1938) – Author and educator
Leon Kass – 87 years old (1939) – Physician, scientist, and educator
David D. Friedman – 81 years old (1945) – Economist, physicist, and scholar
Ray Kurzweil – 78 years old (1948) – Computer scientist and engineer
Lenny Randle – 77 years old (1949) – Baseball player
Michael McDonald – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter and keyboard player
Joanna Kerns – 73 years old (1953) – Actress and director
Zach Grenier – 72 years old (1954) – Actor
Phil Zimmermann – 72 years old (1954) – Cryptographer and programmer
Bill Laswell – 71 years old (1955) – Musician and producer
Chet Lemon – 71 years old (1955) – Baseball player and coach
Arsenio Hall – 70 years old (1956) – Actor and talk show host
Larry Nance – 67 years old (1959) – Basketball player
John Michael Higgins – 63 years old (1963) – Actor and comedian
Omar Hakim – 62 years old (1964) – Drummer, producer, arranger, and composer
Raphael Sbarge – 62 years old (1964) – Actor and director
Rubén Amaro – 61 years old (1965) – Jr. , American baseball player and manager
Christine Elise – 61 years old (1965) – Actress and producer
Brett Kavanaugh – 61 years old (1965) – Lawyer and jurist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Paul Crook – 60 years old (1966) – Musician, songwriter, and producer
Josh Brolin – 58 years old (1968) – Actor
Chynna Phillips – 58 years old (1968) – Singer and actress
Darren Aronofsky – 57 years old (1969) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Judd Winick – 56 years old (1970) – Author and illustrator
Scott Menville – 55 years old (1971) – Voice actor, singer, actor and musician
Tara Strong – 53 years old (1973) – Canadian-American voice actress and singer
Scot Pollard – 51 years old (1975) – Basketball player and actor
Jimmy Conrad – 49 years old (1977) – Soccer player and manager
Sarah Lancaster – 46 years old (1980) – Actress
Gucci Mane – 46 years old (1980) – Rapper
Christina Ricci – 46 years old (1980) – Actress and producer
Carlton Brewster – 43 years old (1983) – Football player and coach
Brad Keselowski – 42 years old (1984) – Race car driver
Peter Vanderkaay – 42 years old (1984) – Swimmer
Todd Frazier – 40 years old (1986) – Baseball player
DeMarco Murray – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Josh Phegley – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player
Mike Posner – 38 years old (1988) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Josh Harrellson – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player
Robert Griffin III – 36 years old (1990) – Football player
Bud Dupree – 33 years old (1993) – Football player
Jennifer Stone – 33 years old (1993) – Actress
Arman Hall – 32 years old (1994) – Sprinter
Paxton Lynch – 32 years old (1994) – Football player
TODAY IS:
- Hug Day: Spread comfort, connection, and joy - one simple embrace can brighten someone’s day.
- National Freedom to Marry Day: National Freedom to Marry Day spotlights a simple idea with big real-world consequences: committed couples should be able to marry with equal dignity under the law, including same-sex couples. For many LGBTQ people and their loved ones, the day represents far more than romance. I t represents safety, stability, and the...
- National Plum Pudding Day: Savor a delightful holiday dessert, rich with tradition and warm memories, as it brings a taste of nostalgia to your table.
- Red Hand Day: Illuminating the plight of young lives ensnared in conflict, advocating for awareness about the use of child soldiers.
- Darwin Day: This visionary naturalist revolutionized science with his groundbreaking theory of evolution, changing the way we view the world around us.
- Digital Learning Day: Digital Learning Day is a testament to the transformative power of technology in education. It's an opportunity to reflect on the advancements in digital teaching methods and the potential they hold for future generations. While the day is a celebration of progress, it also serves as a stark reminder of...
- Safety Pup Day: Safety Pup Day is a fun and educational event focused on teaching children how to stay safe. Through interactive activities, kids learn important safety tips. The day features a lovable dog mascot, Safety Pup, which makes learning about safety more enjoyable and memorable for children. Safety Pup Day also involves parents...
- Oglethorpe Day: Oglethorpe Day bursts with energy and community spirit at Oglethorpe University. This beloved tradition unites students, faculty, and alumni in a vibrant celebration. Celebrating Oglethorpe Day honors the legacy of General James Edward Oglethorpe. This day commemorates his impact as a humanitarian and the founder of Georgia. It reminds everyone...
- Giving Hearts Day: Giving Hearts Day is a vibrant 24-hour fundraising event that brings communities together to support local charities. This day is all about generosity, with individuals, businesses, and schools participating to make a difference! How to Celebrate Giving Hearts Day The celebration highlights the importance of giving back to the community. People join...
- Georgia Day: Georgia Day celebrates the founding of the state of Georgia, honoring its rich history and cultural significance. This special day marks the arrival of the first colonists led by James Oglethorpe in 1733. It's a time for Georgians to reflect on their state's contributions to American history, from its pivotal...
- Fat Thursday: If ever there was an excuse to load up on sweet treats and take indulgent eating to the next level, Fat Thursday is just the ticket. A celebration of all things dough-related, this Polish tradition offers a gilt-edged, guilt-free opportunity to gorge on doughnuts or paczki, traditional fried delicacies that...
- NAACP Day: NAACP Day is a vibrant celebration that honors the tireless efforts and achievements of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This day highlights the organization's commitment to promoting racial equality and justice. It encourages communities to come together to recognize the impact of the NAACP’s work in...
- National Lost Penny Day: Scouring couch cushions and nooks, finding those elusive copper coins brings a little unexpected joy to everyday life.
- National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week: Helping hearts heal and getting lives back on track, it's a journey of recovery, strength, and renewed vitality.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: Raising awareness about a condition that affects many lives, reminding us of the strength within every heartbeat.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: With nimble fingers and creative minds these wordsmiths create content that speak to the hearts of readers everywhere.
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For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.

