February 24

Scott Winters February 24, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on February 24 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1803 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled itself to be the final interpreter of all constitutional issues.

1839 – William S. Otis received a patent for the steam shovel.

1857 – The first shipment of perforated postage stamps was received by the U.S. Government.

1863 – A joint resolution of the Michigan House and Senate “unreservedly” approved President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

1866 – In Washington, D.C., an American flag made entirely of American bunting was displayed for the first time.

1868 – Andrew Johnson became the first President of the United States to be impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives. He was impeached due to his attempt to dismiss Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Johnson was later acquitted in the Senate.

1868 – The first parade to have floats took place at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA

1900 – New York City Mayor Van Wyck signed a contract to begin construction on New York’s first rapid transit tunnel. The tunnel would link Manhattan and Brooklyn. The ground breaking ceremony was on March 24, 1900.

1903 – In Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a parcel of land was leased to the U.S. for a naval base.

1928 – The use of marijuana was outlawed in Detroit, MI. At the time, there were no state or federal restrictions on the books. Some 90 years later, on December 6, 2018, the state of Michigan legalized recreational cannabis.

1938 – The first nylon bristle toothbrush was made, marking the first time that nylon yarn had been used commercially.

1942 – The U.S. Government stopped shipments of all 12-gauge shotguns for sporting use for the wartime effort.

1942 – The Voice of America (VOA) aired for the first time.

1976 – The Eagles’ “Greatest Hits” album became the first album in the U.S. to be certified platinum by the RIAA.

1980 – The USA Olympic hockey team completed their “Miracle on Ice” by defeating Finland, 4-2, to win the gold medal.

1980 – NBC premiered the TV movie “Harper Valley P.T.A.”.

1981 – Buckingham Palace announced the engagement of Britain’s Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

1983 – The Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 1,100 mark for the first time.

1988 – The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a $200,000 award to Rev. Jerry Falwell that had been won against “Hustler” magazine. The ruling expanded legal protections for parody and satire.

1989 – A United Airlines 747 jet ripped open in flight killing 9 people. The flight was from Honolulu to New Zealand.

1992 – The Postal Service unveiled two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp for fans to vote on. The younger Elvis design won and was issued on January 8, 1993.

1992 – The first “Wayne’s World” movie, starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, opened.

1992 – After a furlough to fight anorexia, Tracy Gold returned to the set of TV’s “Growing Pains”.

1997 – Dick Enberg received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2008 – Cuba’s parliament named Raul Castro president. His brother Fidel had ruled for nearly 50 years.

2011 – The television sitcom “Two and a Half Men” was cancelled for the rest of the season after Charlie Sheen criticized and insulted creator Chuck Lorre in a series of bizarre interviews.

2011 – The final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103).

2014 – Seth Meyers took over for Jimmy Fallon as host of NBC’s “Late Night”.

2022 – Russia invaded Ukraine.

BIRTHDAYS:

Dominic Chianese – 95 years old (1931) – Actor and singer

Phil Knight – 88 years old (1938) – Businessman and philanthropist, co-founded Nike, Inc

Joanie Sommers – 85 years old (1941) – Singer and actress

Celia Kaye – 84 years old (1942) – Actress

Jenny O'Hara – 84 years old (1942) – Actress

Barry Bostwick – 81 years old (1945) – Actor and singer

Rupert Holmes – 79 years old (1947) – English-American singer-songwriter and playwright

Edward James Olmos – 79 years old (1947) – Actor and director

George Thorogood – 76 years old (1950) – Musician

Debra Jo Rupp – 75 years old (1951) – Actress

Tommy Burleson – 74 years old (1952) – Basketball player

Sid Meier – 72 years old (1954) – Canadian-American game designer and programmer, created the Civilization series

Judith Butler – 70 years old (1956) – Philosopher, theorist, and author

Eddie Murray – 70 years old (1956) – Baseball player and coach

Paula Zahn – 70 years old (1956) – Journalist and producer

Sammy Kershaw – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Mark Moses – 68 years old (1958) – Actor

Beth Broderick – 67 years old (1959) – Actress and director

Emilio Rivera – 65 years old (1961) – Actor

Kelly Craft – 64 years old (1962) – Businesswoman and diplomat

Michelle Shocked – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter

Elizabeth Wilson – 62 years old (1964) – Politician

Paul Gruber – 61 years old (1965) – Football player

Jane Swift – 61 years old (1965) – Businesswoman and politician, Governor of Massachusetts

Billy Zane – 60 years old (1966) – Actor and producer

Jeff Garcia – 56 years old (1970) – Football player and coach

Jonathan Ward – 56 years old (1970) – Actor

Gillian Flynn – 55 years old (1971) – Author, screenwriter, and producer

Zach Johnson – 50 years old (1976) – Golfer

Bronson Arroyo – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player

Floyd Mayweather Jr. – 49 years old (1977) – Boxer

Bob Sanders – 45 years old (1981) – Football player

Nick Blackburn – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player

Wilson Bethel – 42 years old (1984) – Actor

Corey Graves – 42 years old (1984) – Wrestler and sportscaster

Ashley Walker – 39 years old (1987) – American-Romanian basketball player

Alexander Koch – 38 years old (1988) – Actor

Trace Cyrus – 37 years old (1989) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kosta Koufos – 37 years old (1989) – Greek-American basketball player

Dwayne Allen – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Derek Wolfe – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Tim Erixon – 35 years old (1991) – American-Swedish ice hockey player

Madison Hubbell – 35 years old (1991) – Ice dancer

O'Shea Jackson Jr. – 35 years old (1991) – Actor and rapper

Jessica Pegula – 32 years old (1994) – Tennis player

Earl Sweatshirt – 32 years old (1994) – Rapper

Royce Freeman – 30 years old (1996) – Football player

TODAY IS:

World Spay Day: World Spay Day highlights the crucial issue of pet overpopulation. This special day encourages pet owners to spay or neuter their animals, helping to reduce the number of homeless pets. By raising awareness and promoting these procedures, World Spay Day aims to create a world where fewer animals end up...
National Tortilla Chip Day: Crunchy, salty, and perfect for dipping, these triangular delights are the ultimate companion to your favorite salsa or guacamole.
World Bartender Day: Creators of delicious concoctions that can make any night out better, these talented mixologists are the ultimate beverage wizards!
Twin Peaks Day: Twin Peaks Day is a celebration that draws fans of the iconic TV show "Twin Peaks" to Snoqualmie Valley, Washington. The celebration offers a chance to step into the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks and experience its charm firsthand! How to Celebrate Twin Peaks Day Dive into the Episodes Grab some...
Edward Dickinson Baker Day: Edward Dickinson Baker Day celebrates the life and legacy of Edward Dickinson Baker, a larger-than-life American figure who managed to be, at different times, a lawyer, a spellbinding speaker, a legislator in more than one region, and a battlefield commander. He is often remembered for two things that feel almost...
International I Hate Coriander Day: A strong aversion to that polarizing herb, it can turn a beloved dish into a culinary challenge for discerning taste buds.
National Trading Card Day: Collectible pieces of nostalgia, capturing the essence of various interests, be it sports, movies, or the wonders of the natural world.
Museums Advocacy Days: Museums Advocacy Days is an exciting event where museum professionals and supporters unite to highlight the importance of museums. This annual gathering is all about raising awareness and showing the crucial role museums play in our society! How to Celebrate Museum Advocacy Days Participants in Museum Advocacy Days engage in discussions...
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 Eating Disorder Awareness Week: National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a crucial event aimed at shedding light on the seriousness of eating disorders. This event is designed to raise awareness about these conditions, which affect millions of people across the globe. It's a time for communities to come together, share resources, and support those...
Bird Health Awareness Week: Bird Health Awareness Week is a lively celebration dedicated to our feathered friends. It highlights the need for proper bird care and health. This week-long event encourages bird lovers, pet owners, and enthusiasts to learn more about keeping their birds healthy. It focuses on educating the public about the importance...
National Engineers Week: With a mind full of creativity and a tool kit full of gadgets — from bridges to phones — engineers are the ultimate problem solvers!
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...
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.