February 28

Scott Winters February 28, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on February 28 in history, along with notable celebrity birthdays and fun Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1784 – John Wesley chartered the Methodist Church.

1827 – The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad became the first railroad incorporated for commercial transportation of people and freight.

1849 – Regular steamboat service to California via Cape Horn arrived in San Francisco for the first time. The SS California had left New York Harbor on October 6, 1848. The trip took 4 months and 21 days.

1854 – The Republican Party was organized in Ripon, WI. About 50 slavery opponents began the new political group.

1861 – The U.S. territory of Colorado was organized.

1885 – AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph) was incorporated. The company was capitalized on only $100,000 and provided long distance service for American Bell.

1893 – Edward G. Acheson showed his patent for Carborundum.

1911 – Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was organized.

1932 – Inventor Richard Spikes patented the automatic gear shift.

1935 – DuPont scientist Wallace Carothers invented nylon.

1940 – The first televised basketball game was shown. At Madison Square Gardens in New York, NY, the University of Pittsburgh defeated Fordham University 57-37.

1953 – In a Cambridge University laboratory, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

1954 – The first color television sets using the NTSC standard were offered for sale to the general public.

1956 – A patent was issued to Forrester for a computer memory core.

1977 – A Michigan High School Athletic Association game was televised for the first time. Earvin “Magic” Johnson scored 27 points as Lansing Everett defeated Lansing Eastern in a district basketball game. Two years later, “Magic” Johnson led Michigan State University to their first national championship.

1983 – The final episode of the television show “M*A*S*H” aired with almost 106 million viewers. It became the most watched TV series finale in history.

1986 – The movie “Pretty in Pink”, starring Molly Ringwald, premiered in theaters.

1993 – Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms storm the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX. The ATF had planned to arrest the leader of the Branch Davidians, David Koresh, on federal firearms charges. Gunfire erupts and four agents and six Davidians were killed. A 51-day standoff followed.

1994 – The Brady Law, which imposed a waiting period to buy a handgun, went into effect.

2002 – It was announced that John Madden would be replacing Dennis Miller on “Monday Night Football.” Madden signed a four-year $20 million deal with ABC Sports.

2005 – Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial began in Santa Barbara, CA.

2007 – NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft made a gravitational slingshot against Jupiter to change the planned trajectory towards Pluto.

2007 – The Doors were given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2013 – Benedict XVI resigned as Pope. He was the first Pope to resign since 1415.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jeff Farrell – 89 years old (1937) – Swimmer

Daniel C. Tsui – 87 years old (1939) – Chinese-American physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Tommy Tune – 87 years old (1939) – Actor, dancer, singer, theatre director, producer, and choreographer

Mario Andretti – 86 years old (1940) – Italian-American racing driver

Kelly Bishop – 82 years old (1944) – Actress

Steven Chu – 78 years old (1948) – Physicist and politician, 12th United States Secretary of Energy , Nobel Prize laureate

Bernadette Peters – 78 years old (1948) – Actress, singer, and author

Mercedes Ruehl – 78 years old (1948) – Actress

Ilene Graff – 77 years old (1949) – Actress and singer

Paul Krugman – 73 years old (1953) – Economist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Ricky Steamboat – 73 years old (1953) – Professional wrestler

Brian Billick – 72 years old (1954) – Football player, coach, and sportscaster

Adrian Dantley – 71 years old (1955) – Basketball player and coach

John Turturro – 69 years old (1957) – Actor and director

Cindy Wilson – 69 years old (1957) – Singer-songwriter

Rae Dawn Chong – 65 years old (1961) – Canadian-American actress

Seth Rudetsky – 59 years old (1967) – Musician, actor, writer, and radio host

Butch Leitzinger – 57 years old (1969) – Race car driver

Robert Sean Leonard – 57 years old (1969) – Actor

Pat Monahan – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and actor

Daniel Handler – 56 years old (1970) – Author, musician, screenwriter, and producer

Tasha Smith – 55 years old (1971) – Actress, director, and producer

Rory Cochrane – 54 years old (1972) – Actor

Mike Rucker – 51 years old (1975) – Football player

Ali Larter – 50 years old (1976) – Actress and model

Jason Aldean – 49 years old (1977) – Singer-songwriter

Lance Hoyt – 49 years old (1977) – Football player and wrestler

Geoffrey Arend – 48 years old (1978) – Actor

Jamaal Tinsley – 48 years old (1978) – Basketball player

Tayshaun Prince – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player

Brian Bannister – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player and scout

Michelle Horn – 39 years old (1987) – Actress

Josh McRoberts – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Carlos Dunlap – 37 years old (1989) – Football player

Charles Jenkins – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

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

Marquis Teague – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Alex Caruso – 32 years old (1994) – Basketball player

Madisen Beaty – 31 years old (1995) – Actress

Quinn Shephard – 31 years old (1995) – Actress

Bobb'e J. Thompson – 30 years old (1996) – Actor

Chris Lindstrom – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

TODAY IS:

Rare Disease Day: Many people living with uncommon illnesses often feel forgotten. Raising awareness can inspire research, understanding, and hope for better treatments.
National Science Day: National Science Day in India celebrates the discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist C.V. Raman. This day highlights the importance of science in our everyday lives! It's a lively occasion that encourages people to appreciate how science shapes our world. Events and activities across the country make science accessible and...
Open That Bottle Night: After years of patiently waiting, it's time to indulge in the luxurious nectar that's been aging gracefully.
International Sword Swallower’s Day: Daredevil performers with an astonishing ability to defy expectations and showcase a unique and captivating skill on stage.
National Essay Day: National Essay Day celebrates the art of essay writing, the kind of writing that can be thoughtful, persuasive, funny, personal, or quietly brilliant. An essay is small enough to fit into a busy life, yet big enough to carry an idea that matters. This day highlights how essays help people...
National Floral Design Day: Unleash your creativity and bring nature's vibrant beauty to life through stunning arrangements that captivate the senses and evoke joy.
Linus Pauling Day: Linus Pauling Day is a lively celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of Linus Pauling. He was a pioneering scientist and a passionate peace activist. This special day recognizes his groundbreaking contributions to chemistry and his tireless efforts for peace, making it a fitting tribute to a man whose work changed...
National Customized Wheel and Tire Day: National Customized Wheel and Tire Day celebrates one of the most visible ways drivers make a vehicle feel like their own: the wheels and the rubber that meets the road. For some enthusiasts, it is all about performance; for others, it is pure style; and for many, it is the...
National Chocolate Souffle Day: Indulge in a rich and airy dessert that's sure to impress! This decadent treat will have you craving more with every bite.
National Tooth Fairy Day: Have you heard of the little visitor who brings treats to kids while they sleep? She's sparkly, sneaky, and always on the hunt for lost teeth!
Global Scouse Day: A cherished culinary tradition, warm and hearty, born from the heart of a vibrant city, nourishing body and soul through generations.
International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day: Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI, often starts quietly. A small ache in your wrist. A twinge in your shoulder. Maybe your fingers feel stiff after a long day. This day exists to call attention to those signals. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who works with their hands, types all day...
Car Keys and Small Change Day: Car Keys and Small Change Day is a quirky celebration that reminds us of the convenience of pockets. Pockets hold those small but crucial items, like car keys and spare change, which we often take for granted. This day encourages us to appreciate the simplicity and usefulness of pockets in...
National Vegan Lipstick Day: National Vegan Lipstick Day is a lively celebration for makeup enthusiasts who care about animals and the environment. This special day highlights the importance of choosing vegan lipsticks which contain no animal-derived ingredients like beeswax or carmine. How to Celebrate National Vegan Lipstick Day The celebration includes trying new vegan...
National Time Management Month: National Time Management Month is a vibrant time to reassess how we manage our schedules. This month-long event highlights the value of organizing our tasks effectively. By improving our time management, we can boost productivity and reduce stress. Everyone, from students to professionals, can benefit from honing these skills. The main...
National Public Sleeping Day: Sometimes we all need a quick snooze, and there's no shame in catching some Z's wherever you can. Just make sure to set an alarm!
US Snowshoe Day: US Snowshoe Day is a lively celebration honoring the unique and practical invention of snowshoes. This day draws attention to their usefulness in traversing snowy landscapes, making winter exploration accessible and fun. Snowshoeing provides a way to enjoy nature's beauty in winter and offers an excellent workout, burning significantly more calories...
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.