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:
1653 – New Amsterdam was incorporated. We now know it as New York, NY.
1802 – The first leopard to be exhibited in the United States was shown in Boston, MA by Othello Pollard.
1846 – Regular scheduled passenger rail service began in Michigan between Detroit and Kalamazoo.
1848 – The Mexican War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The treaty turned over portions of land to the U.S., including Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The United States gave Mexico $15,000,000 and assumed responsibility of all claims against Mexico by American citizens. Texas had already entered the U.S. on December 29, 1845.
1863 – Samuel Langhorne Clemens used the pseudonym Mark Twain for the first time.
1876 – The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs (known as the National League) was formed in New York, NY. The teams included were the Chicago White Stockings, Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Stockings, Hartford Dark Blues, Mutual of New York, St. Louis Brown Stockings, Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Louisville Grays.
1887 – The beginning of the yearly Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, PA.
1892 – The bottle cap was patented by William Painter.
1900 – Six cities — Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Chicago and St. Louis — formed baseball’s American League.
1913 – Grand Central Terminal, in New York, NY, officially opened at 12:01 am. Even though construction was not entirely complete, more than 150,000 people visited the new terminal on opening day.
1935 – Leonard Keeler conducted the first test of the polygraph machine, in Portage, WI. He gave the test to two murder suspects. It was the first time polygraph evidence was admitted in U.S. courts.
1946 – The Mutual Broadcasting System aired the game show “Twenty Questions” for the first time on radio. The show moved to television in 1949.
1949 – The first 45 RPM record was released.
1950 – The television game show “What’s My Line” debuted on CBS.
1964 – Hasbro’s G.I. Joe action figures were released.
1972 – The Stanley Kubrick film, “A Clockwork Orange”, was released in the United States.
1973 – The late night television show “Midnight Special” debuted on NBC.
1988 – Auntie Anne’s was founded by Anne F. Beiler in Lancaster, PA.
1993 – Willie Nelson and the IRS settled their longstanding tax feud. The U.S. government kept $3.6 million in assets it had already seized and Nelson would have to pay $5.4 million of the $13.1 million balance.
1998 – President Bill Clinton introduced the first balanced federal budget in 30 years.
2004 – It was reported that a white powder had been found in an office of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later confirmed that the powder was the poison ricin.
2007 – The U.S. Senate agreed to the first minimum wage hike in a decade. The measure would move the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over a two year period.
2020 – The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a stunning Super Bowl comeback.
BIRTHDAYS:
Judith Viorst – 95 years old (1931) – Journalist and author
Don Buford – 89 years old (1937) – Baseball player and coach
Remak Ramsay – 89 years old (1937) – Actor
Mary-Dell Chilton – 87 years old (1939) – Chemist and inventor and one of the founders of modern plant biotechnology
Wayne Fontes – 86 years old (1940) – Football player and coach
Graham Nash – 84 years old (1942) – English-American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Ursula Oppens – 82 years old (1944) – Pianist and educator
Blake Clark – 80 years old (1946) – Comedian and actor
Ina Garten – 78 years old (1948) – Chef and author
Al McKay – 78 years old (1948) – Guitarist, songwriter, and producer
Jack McGee – 77 years old (1949) – Actor
Brent Spiner – 77 years old (1949) – Actor and singer
Ross Valory – 77 years old (1949) – Bass player and songwriter
Dave Casper – 74 years old (1952) – Football player
John Cornyn – 74 years old (1952) – Lawyer and politician, 49th Attorney General of Texas
Ralph Merkle – 74 years old (1952) – Computer scientist and academic
Duane Chapman – 73 years old (1953) – Bounty hunter
Christie Brinkley – 72 years old (1954) – Actress, model, and businesswoman
John Tudor – 72 years old (1954) – Baseball player
Bob Schreck – 71 years old (1955) – Author
Michael Talbott – 71 years old (1955) – Actor
Kim Zimmer – 71 years old (1955) – Actress
Dexter Manley – 67 years old (1959) – Football player
Lauren Lane – 65 years old (1961) – Actress and academic
Paul Kilgus – 64 years old (1962) – Baseball player
Michael T. Weiss – 64 years old (1962) – Actor
Robert DeLeo – 60 years old (1966) – Bass player, songwriter, and producer
Adam Ferrara – 60 years old (1966) – Actor and comedian
Kenny Albert – 58 years old (1968) – Sportscaster
Sean Elliott – 58 years old (1968) – Basketball player and sportscaster
Scott Erickson – 58 years old (1968) – Baseball player and coach
Jennifer Westfeldt – 56 years old (1970) – Actress and singer
Rockwilder – 55 years old (1971) – Rapper and producer
Marissa Jaret Winokur – 53 years old (1973) – Actress and singer
Donald Driver – 51 years old (1975) – Football player
Rich Sommer – 48 years old (1978) – Actor
Lance Allred – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player and activist
Kelly Mazzante – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player
Jason Vargas – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player
Brian Cage – 42 years old (1984) – Wrestler
Morris Almond – 41 years old (1985) – Basketball player
Mimi Page – 39 years old (1987) – Singer-songwriter and composer
Javon Ringer – 39 years old (1987) – Football player
Martin Spanjers – 39 years old (1987) – Actor and producer
JuJu Chan – 38 years old (1988) – Hong Kong-American actress, martial artist, singer, and writer
Zosia Mamet – 38 years old (1988) – Actress
Brad Peacock – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player
Harrison Smith – 37 years old (1989) – Football player
Southside – 37 years old (1989) – Record producer
Christian Dvorak – 30 years old (1996) – Ice hockey player
Jeff Okudah – 27 years old (1999) – Football player
TODAY IS:
- World Play Your Ukulele Day: This happy-go-lucky instrument can turn any frown upside down. Its sweet sound and portability make it perfect for jamming anywhere, anytime!
- National Tater Tot Day: Crispy, bite-sized golden nuggets that make a delightful snack or side dish, offering a satisfying crunch with each savory bite.
- National Crepe Day: Indulge in a thin and delicious French pastry that can be filled with anything from sweet to savory. Bon appétit!
- National Sled Dog Day: High-energy, furry athletes powering through snow and ice — a testament to teamwork and nature's endurance champs.
- National Sickie Day: Sometimes, life throws unexpected curveballs, and a little unscheduled break can feel like a refreshing breather in the midst of daily hustle.
- National Brown Dog Day: Warm, caramel fur and playful personalities — the perfect companions for adventures in the great outdoors or cuddles on the couch.
- National Hedgehog Day: Small, spiny and oh-so-cute, these creatures are the unlikely gardeners of the animal kingdom, helping to keep insect populations in check and spreading seeds.
- The Festival of Lemanjá: The Festival of Lemanjá is a vibrant celebration honoring the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. On this day, people gather by the shore, carrying offerings like flowers, perfumes, and small boats. These gifts, lovingly prepared, are placed into the ocean as a gesture of respect and gratitude. The festival's importance...
- 2FA Day: By adding an extra layer of security, 2FA fortifies your digital defenses, ensuring your online interactions remain safeguarded and private.
- National River Day: These winding natural pathways, carving through the earth, play a vital role in sustaining diverse ecosystems and human life.
- Marmot Day: These playful critters with their bushy tails and chubby cheeks are nature's little comedians. Get ready for a giggle-filled encounter with these adorable mountain entertainers!
- World Wetlands Day: Nature's water wonderlands, where life thrives in a symphony of reeds, rushes, and aquatic secrets, supporting biodiversity in serene harmony.
- Groundhog Job Shadow Day: Groundhog Job Shadow Day uniquely combines excitement and learning. Students across the nation get the chance to shadow professionals in various fields, offering them a firsthand look at different careers. This day combines the fun of Groundhog Day with the educational experience of job shadowing, making it an anticipated event...
- California Kiwifruit Day: California Kiwifruit Day is a delightful celebration dedicated to the vibrant and nutritious kiwifruit grown in California's sunny orchards. This day highlights the unique qualities of the fruit, known for its bright green flesh and tiny black seeds. California, a leading producer of kiwifruit in the United States, showcases the...
- Self Renewal Day: Self Renewal Day encourages everyone to focus on their personal growth and well-being. This special day reminds us to step back from our hectic routines and assess what truly matters in our lives. It's a time to re-evaluate our goals, recharge our energy, and refocus on activities that bring joy...
- National Catchers Day: Master of anticipation, the diamond's guardian, poised to orchestrate the ballet of pitches and catches with finesse.
- Ayn Rand Day: Ayn Rand Day celebrates the life and ideas of the influential author and philosopher Ayn Rand. Known for her novels "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," Rand developed the philosophy of objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest and individualism. This day honors her contributions to literature and philosophy, encouraging people to explore...
- National Heavenly Hash Day: National Heavenly Hash Day celebrates a delightful treat known for its rich and varied ingredients. This day honors a dessert that combines marshmallows, nuts, chocolate, and other sweet delights into a heavenly mix. People enjoy this day by indulging in different forms of Heavenly Hash, including candy, ice cream, and...
- Record of a Sneeze Day: Record of a Sneeze Day is a unique celebration marking a quirky but significant moment in film history. This day commemorates the first copyrighted motion picture in the US, which captured Fred Ott sneezing. This short film, created by Thomas Edison, is recognized for pioneering modern cinema. It might seem...
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day: Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day aims to educate the public about this often misunderstood condition. It encourages those experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice promptly, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. The day also promotes advocacy and support, helping to dispel myths and reduce stigma associated with the...
- Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, a key historical document, marked a significant day that ended the Mexican-American War. This treaty not only concluded the hostilities but also led to a vast expansion of U.S. territory. It's celebrated because it reshaped the map of North America and laid the foundation for...
- Groundhog Day: Every year on February 2nd, an adorable groundhog emerges from its burrow to predict the weather. Will he see his shadow?
- Candlemas Day: It's a day to celebrate light and hope, with origins tracing back to ancient times. Get ready to light some candles!
- Feast of Candelaria: The Feast of Candelaria honors the Virgin of Candelaria, symbolizing light and hope. Streets fill with music, and the air buzzes with excitement as families and friends gather. Participants dress in colorful costumes, reflecting the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations. The atmosphere becomes electric as dance, song, and...
- Women’s Heart Week: Promoting cardiovascular wellness in women empowers vibrant lives, ensuring resilient hearts beat to life's rhythm.
- Shape Up With Pickles Time: Shape Up With Pickles Time is an exciting event that celebrates everyone's favorite tangy treat, the pickle. This special occasion encourages people to include pickles in their diet while focusing on staying active. The combination of healthy snacking and exercise makes this celebration unique and engaging. From dill to sweet...
- World Interfaith Harmony Week: Imagine a week where the world comes together in a vibrant celebration of faiths, a time known as World Interfaith Harmony Week. Picture communities hosting enlightening dialogues where voices from varied religions share their rich traditions. This is the essence of celebrating World Interfaith Harmony Week, a journey of learning...
- 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...
- La Poutine Week: La Poutine Week is a lively celebration dedicated to one of Canada's most beloved dishes. This annual event brings joy to poutine lovers across the country. Restaurants from coast to coast join in, offering their unique takes on the classic fries, cheese curds, and gravy combination. The week is not...
- Pay Your Bills Week: Pay Your Bills Week serves as an important reminder for everyone to stay on top of their financial responsibilities. It's a dedicated time to focus on clearing our dues and preventing financial pitfalls. This week highlights the importance of timely bill payments, which can greatly reduce stress and help maintain a...
- National School Counseling Week: Like superheroes, with tissues and good advice, school counselors help students conquer everything from bullies to bad grades.
- Pride In Foodservice Week: Behind every delicious meal and drink is an army of chefs, servers, and bartenders working to make your dining experience memorable.
- Boy Scouts Anniversary Week: Exploring the great outdoors, learning survival skills, and making new friends – who needs video games when you have camping gear and s'mores?
- Burn Awareness Week: As much as we love the warmth and coziness of fires, it's important to always be cautious and aware of potential hazards.
- National Patient Recognition Week: Acknowledging and valuing those who rely on care and support — a simple yet profound act that keeps the human connection alive.
- African Heritage and Health Week: If you're looking for delicious, healthy cuisine, look no further than the diverse array of African dishes.
- Tu BiShvat: A Jewish holiday celebrating the "New Year for Trees" and the renewal of nature, reflecting on our relationship with the environment.
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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.
