February 21

Scott Winters February 21, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on February 21 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1842 – John J. Greenough patented the sewing machine.

1858 – The first electric burglar alarm was installed in Boston, MA.

1866 – Lucy B. Hobbs became the first woman to graduate from a dental school. The school was the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in Cincinnati.

1878 – The first telephone directories issued in the U.S. were distributed to residents in New Haven, CT. It was one page with only fifty names.

1885 – The newly completed Washington Monument was dedicated in Washington, D.C.

1904 – The National Ski Association was formed in Ishpeming, MI. The town is known as the birthplace of organized skiing in America.

1925 – The first issue of “The New Yorker” was published.

1932 – William N. Goodwin patented the camera exposure meter.

1947 – In New York, NY, Edwin Land demonstrated the Polaroid Land Camera to the Optical Society of America. It was the first camera that could take, develop and print a black and white picture on photo paper in about a minute. The camera went on sale in 1948.

1948 – NASCAR was incorporated.

1958 – The first Flying V guitar, by Gibson, was shipped from a factory in Kalamazoo, MI.

1958 – The peace symbol was designed and completed by Gerald Holtom, commissioned by Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, in protest against the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment.

1965 – Controversial black leader Malcolm X, 39, was shot to death during an appearance at the Audubon Ballroom in New York, NY. The assassins were identified as Black Muslims.

1968 – McGraw-Hill, Inc. outbid eight other American publishers for the U.S. rights to Hunter Davies’ authorized biography of the Beatles. They paid $150,000 for the rights.

1968 – An agreement between baseball players and club owners increased the minimum salary for major league players to $10,000 a year.

1970 – The Jackson 5 made their TV debut on “American Bandstand.”

1972 – Chlorastrolite was named Michigan’s official state gem (It’s a green gem).

1972 – Richard Nixon became the first U.S. President to visit China.

1975 – Former U.S. Attorney General John N. Mitchell and former White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman were sentenced to 2-1/2 to 8 years in prison for their roles in the Watergate cover-up.

1978 – Michigan Governor William G. Milliken signed into law a bill that protected house cats from hunters, making it illegal to shoot cats.

1988 – In Baton Rouge, LA, TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart confessed to his congregation that he was guilty of an unspecified sin. He announced that he was leaving the pulpit temporarily. It later came out that he had been having sex with a prostitute.

1995 – Chicago stockbroker Steve Fossett landed in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada and became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon.

1997 – Wheel of Fortune debuted their all new digital puzzle board. Vanna White no longer has to turn the letter around. Now she just taps the letter and it lights up.

2000 – David Letterman returned to “The Late Show” about five weeks after having an emergency quintuple heart bypass operation. At his request, Foo Fighters perform “Everlong.” He introduced them as “my favorite band playing my favorite song.”

2007 – Apple secured the rights to the name iPhone following a settlement with Cisco Systems.

2011 – A professor from New York University had an experimental life-blogging camera removed from his head after his immune system rejected the implant.

2021 – Englishwoman Jasmine Harrison (at age 21) became the youngest woman to row across an ocean, arriving in Antigua as part of the Atlantic Challenge after 70 days, 3 hours, 48 minutes.

2022 – Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the Luhansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic as independent from Ukraine, and moved troops into the region. The action was condemned by the United Nations.

BIRTHDAYS:

Gary Lockwood – 89 years old (1937) – Actor

David Geffen – 83 years old (1943) – Businessman, co-founded DreamWorks and Geffen Records

Tyne Daly – 80 years old (1946) – Actress and singer

Bob Ryan – 80 years old (1946) – Journalist and author

Johnny Echols – 79 years old (1947) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Olympia Snowe – 79 years old (1947) – Politician

Frank Brunner – 77 years old (1949) – Illustrator

Jerry Harrison – 77 years old (1949) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Christine Ebersole – 73 years old (1953) – Actress and singer

William Petersen – 73 years old (1953) – Actor and producer

Kelsey Grammer – 71 years old (1955) – Actor, singer, and producer

Mary Chapin Carpenter – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kim Coates – 68 years old (1958) – Canadian-American actor

Jack Coleman – 68 years old (1958) – Actor

Alan Trammell – 68 years old (1958) – Baseball player, coach, and manager

Christopher Atkins – 65 years old (1961) – Actor and businessman

Elliot Hirshman – 65 years old (1961) – Psychologist and academic

Chuck Palahniuk – 64 years old (1962) – Novelist and journalist

William Baldwin – 63 years old (1963) – Actor

Mark Kelly – 62 years old (1964) – Astronaut and politician

Scott Kelly – 62 years old (1964) – Astronaut

Leroy Burrell – 59 years old (1967) – Runner and coach

Aunjanue Ellis – 57 years old (1969) – Actress and producer

Tony Meola – 57 years old (1969) – Soccer player and manager

Cathy Richardson – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Brian Rolston – 53 years old (1973) – Ice hockey player and coach

Steve Francis – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player

Rhiannon Giddens – 49 years old (1977) – Musician

Erick Barkley – 48 years old (1978) – Basketball player

Tituss Burgess – 47 years old (1979) – Actor and singer

Jennifer Love Hewitt – 47 years old (1979) – Actress and producer

Jordan Peele – 47 years old (1979) – Actor, comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter

Brendan Sexton III – 46 years old (1980) – Actor

Andre Barrett – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player

Chantal Claret – 44 years old (1982) – Singer-songwriter

Braylon Edwards – 43 years old (1983) – Football player

James Wisniewski – 42 years old (1984) – Ice hockey player

Ashley Greene – 39 years old (1987) – Actress

Donté Greene – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Corbin Bleu – 37 years old (1989) – Actor, model, dancer, film producer and singer-songwriter

Ian Cole – 37 years old (1989) – Ice hockey player

Devon Travis – 35 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Hayley Orrantia – 32 years old (1994) – Actress and singer-songwriter

Noah Rubin – 30 years old (1996) – Tennis player

TODAY IS:

World Pangolin Day: Imagine a day dedicated to celebrating one of the planet's most unique creatures - the pangolin! It is fascinating to hear that the scaly, shy, and utterly fascinating pangolins have their own special day on the calendar. World Pangolin Day rolls around annually as a highlight for animal lovers everywhere...
International Mother Language Day: The celebration of linguistic heritage honors the resilience and cultural richness of a nation's language, paying homage to a profound identity and promoting unity.
Mental Health Nurses Day: Mental Health Nurses Day celebrates the quiet strength of those who meet people in their hardest moments and stay with them there. These nurses don’t just offer treatment—they notice the shake in a hand, the pause before a word, the silence that says more than a sentence ever could. Their...
National Sticky Bun Day: Imagine sinking your teeth into gooey, caramelized goodness atop a swirl of dough—these delightful pastries are a sweet indulgence worth savoring.
National Red Sock Day: National Red Sock Day turns a simple item into a powerful symbol. Bright red socks catch the eye for more than fashion. They're part of a bold move to bring attention to Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. This condition affects blood flow, mostly in the legs, and often hides behind...
Card Reading Day: Card Reading Day is a fun and meaningful holiday that encourages people to read and send greeting cards. It's a perfect time for diving into the collection of cards received over the years, bringing back memories, and reliving the emotions captured in those messages. Whether it’s a birthday wish, a...
National Grain Free Day: National Grain Free Day celebrates the simple, surprisingly meaningful act of making room at the table for people who cannot eat grains. For some, going grain-free is a personal preference. For others, it is a medical necessity that affects grocery shopping, dining out, travel, and even casual get-togethers where food...
National Breakup Day: Breakups don’t have to be bitter or messy. National Breakup Day offers a clear, bold moment to choose peace over pretending. Instead of dragging things out, people take the chance to end what's not working. It’s a time when many let go of relationships that feel forced or painful. That shared...
International Skye Terrier Day: Skye Terriers may be small, but they carry themselves like they rule the room. International Skye Terrier Day is when people who adore these scruffy charmers come together to show some love. You’ll see proud photos, sweet stories, and a lot of tail wags shared online and in person. With their...
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.
Future Farmers of America Week: In the heartland of America, when winter's chill begins to retreat, making way for the vibrancy of spring, a week arrives that sparks a unique blend of pride, enthusiasm, and unity among the agricultural community. This is National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week, a special period when the spotlight...
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...
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.