February 7

Scott Winters February 7, 2026 0 Comments

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:

1795 – The 11th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

1812 – The New Madrid earthquake that was centered in New Madrid, Missouri, was felt in Michigan and all along the East Coast.

1853 – Five pairs of horses arrived in Grand Rapids, MI from Kalamazoo, drawing the boiler for the steam boat “Michigan”.

1882 – The last bare-knuckle fight for the heavyweight boxing championship took place in Mississippi City.

1893 – Elisha Gray patented a machine called the tel-autograph that automatically signed autographs to documents.

1922 – DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace offered 5,000 copies of “Reader’s Digest” magazine for the first time.

1935 – The classic board game Monopoly was created.

1936 – The U.S. Vice President’s flag was established by executive order.

1940 – Walt Disney’s second full length animated film, “Pinocchio”, premiered at the Center Theatre in Manhattan.

1943 – The U.S. government announced that shoe rationing would go into effect in two days.

1964 – The Beatles arrived in the U.S. for the first time. The performed on “The Ed Sullivan Show” two days later.

1981 – The television miniseries, “Elvis and Me” (based on Priscilla Presley’s book), began airing on ABC.

1984 – Space Shuttle astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart made the first untethered space walk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU).

1984 – At a lavish party at the Museum of Natural History in New York, NY, Michael Jackson made his way into the Guinness Book of World Records for selling 25 million copies of his album “Thriller”. The invitations were printed on white gloves.

1985 – “Sports Illustrated” released its annual swimsuit edition. It was the largest regular edition in the magazine’s history at 218 pages.

1985 – “New York, New York” became the official anthem of New York City.

1988 – The TV show “America’s Most Wanted”, hosted by John Walsh, debuted on Fox.

1994 – Satellite images showed that Lake Superior had completely frozen over. The center of the lake showed a very thin layer of ice that covered the water. High winds the following day broke up the thin ice, exposing the open water.

1999 – NASA’s Stardust space probe was launched. The mission was to return comet dust samples from comet Wild 2. The mission was completed on January 15, 2006 when the return capsule returned to Earth.

2000 – California’s legislature declared that February 13 would be “Charles M. Schulz Day” to honor the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip.

2008 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched with the mission of delivering the Columbus science laboratory to the International Space Station.

2014 – The Opening Ceremonies began for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

2014 – Jay Leno said goodbye after hosting the “Tonight Show” for 22 years.

2018 – The U.S. Mint and the National Park Service launched the “America the Beautiful” quarters program coin honoring Picture Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan.

2021 – Sarah Thomas became the first woman to referee a Super Bowl.

BIRTHDAYS:

Gay Talese – 94 years old (1932) – Journalist and memoirist

Eric Foner – 83 years old (1943) – Historian, author, and academic

Karen Joy Fowler – 76 years old (1950) – Author

Robert Brazile – 73 years old (1953) – Football player

Rolf Benirschke – 71 years old (1955) – Football player and game show host

Robert Smigel – 66 years old (1960) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

James Spader – 66 years old (1960) – Actor and producer

Garth Brooks – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

David Bryan – 64 years old (1962) – Keyboard player and songwriter

Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper – 63 years old (1963) – Naval officer and astronaut

Chris Rock – 61 years old (1965) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Sully Erna – 58 years old (1968) – Singer-songwriter and musician

Essence Atkins – 54 years old (1972) – Actress

Robyn Lively – 54 years old (1972) – Actress

Juwan Howard – 53 years old (1973) – Basketball player and coach

Wes Borland – 51 years old (1975) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Ashton Kutcher – 48 years old (1978) – Model, actor, producer, and entrepreneur

Milt Palacio – 48 years old (1978) – American-Belizean basketball player and coach

Sam J. Miller – 47 years old (1979) – Author

Mikey Erg – 46 years old (1980) – Drummer, guitarist, and vocalist

Scott Feldman – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Trey Hardee – 42 years old (1984) – Decathlete

Jeremy Meeks – 42 years old (1984) – Model and actor

Josh Hennessy – 41 years old (1985) – Ice hockey player

Bernard James – 41 years old (1985) – Basketball player

Tina Majorino – 41 years old (1985) – Actress

Deborah Ann Woll – 41 years old (1985) – Actress

Matthew Stafford – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

Nick Calathes – 37 years old (1989) – American-Greek basketball player

Isaiah Thomas – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Morris Claiborne – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Dalilah Muhammad – 36 years old (1990) – Hurdler

Gabbie Hanna – 35 years old (1991) – Internet personality and singer-songwriter

Javon Hargrave – 33 years old (1993) – Football player

Riley Barber – 32 years old (1994) – Ice hockey player

R. J. Hampton – 25 years old (2001) – Basketball player

Shedeur Sanders – 24 years old (2002) – Football player

TODAY IS:

Yukon Quest: Yukon Quest is an exhilarating event that captures the spirit of adventure and the rugged beauty of the northern wilderness. At its heart, Yukon Quest is about moving through winter the old-fashioned way: with a musher on the runners, a team of sled dogs leaning into their harnesses, and a...
International Pisco Sour Day: South American brandy, zesty lime juice, frothy egg white, and a touch of sweetness — a perfect, refreshing drink for a hot summer day.
Ice Cream For Breakfast Day: Start your day off on the sweet side by skipping the eggs and bacon — savor the deliciousness of your favorite ice cream flavors instead.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day serves as an important reminder of the impact HIV has on Black communities. This day is marked by efforts to educate and engage people on HIV prevention and treatment. By highlighting these issues, the day aims to mobilize community involvement and reduce stigma around the...
Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbors Day: Greet your neighbors with a friendly hand gesture! Strengthen bonds, brighten days, and make lasting memories with a simple wave.
National Send a Card to a Friend Day: Spreading smiles the old-fashioned way, with a personal touch that brightens someone's day, all through an envelope and a stamp.
National Ballet Day: National Ballet Day is a vibrant celebration of one of the most elegant and respected forms of dance. On this day, people worldwide come together to appreciate the beauty and artistry of ballet. The delicate movements, expressive performances, and enchanting music create an experience that captivates audiences of all ages...
Take Your Child To The Library Day: Introducing your little one to shelves of adventures, where curious minds and colorful pages meet in the cozy haven of books.
National Fettuccine Alfredo Day: A rich and creamy dish made from fresh fettuccine noodles, butter, cream, and parmesan cheese — comfort food at its best!
Rose Day: A garden's most captivating blossoms, roses come in an array of hues and unleash an enchanting fragrance that fills the air.
National Periodic Table Day: National Periodic Table Day is a lively celebration dedicated to one of chemistry's most important tools. This day shines a spotlight on the periodic table, a crucial chart that organizes all known elements in a way that helps scientists predict their behaviors. It’s a day to recognize the brilliance behind...
Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day: Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day encourages people to meet substance use struggles with compassion instead of judgment. While the word “hug” is front and center, the deeper theme is human connection: reminding someone they still belong, even when life feels messy, fragile, or uncertain. For many people, addiction brings isolation...
Lung Leavin’ Day: Confronting inner doubts and uncertainties in the face of adversity, emerging stronger and resolute, exemplifies the power of human resilience.
e-Day: e-Day is a fascinating celebration dedicated to the mathematical constant "e," known as Euler's number. This day brings math enthusiasts together to appreciate the importance of this unique number, which is approximately equal to 2.71828. The constant "e" appears in various mathematical contexts, especially in calculus and complex systems, making it...
Independence Day Grenada: Grenada's celebration marks a significant moment in history, filled with colorful parades and cultural displays.
Women’s Heart Week: Promoting cardiovascular wellness in women empowers vibrant lives, ensuring resilient hearts beat to life's rhythm.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Chiang Mai Flower Festival: The Chiang Mai Flower Festival transforms the city into a stunning floral paradise. Every year, vibrant displays of flowers line the streets and parks. The event features intricately decorated floats covered in colorful blooms, parading through the city. Marching bands and traditional dancers add to the festive atmosphere. Thousands of...
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: Raising awareness about a condition that affects many lives, reminding us of the strength within every heartbeat.
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...
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...
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...
African Heritage and Health Week: If you're looking for delicious, healthy cuisine, look no further than the diverse array of African dishes.
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.
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.
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?
Royal Hobart Regatta: The Royal Hobart Regatta is a vibrant celebration that brings life to the waters of the River Derwent. It spans three days and is filled with exciting activities and showcases. Boats race across the water, and spectators cheer from the banks. The atmosphere is electric, with events ranging from sailing...