NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY
Each year on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day grows in popularity. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness. Learn more...
PRESIDENTS DAY
On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates the federal holiday known as Presidents Day. The day takes place during the birth month of the country's two most prominent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the day once only honored President George Washington on his birthday, February 22nd, the day now never lands on a single president's birthday. Discover more...
NATIONAL CABBAGE DAY
National Cabbage Day on February 17th recognizes a delightful garden staple that provides some of the best recipes for the Celtic holidays coming up next month. It's an excellent day to test your corned beef and cabbage skills alongside other delicious seasonal dishes. Read more...
Coming on February 18, 2025
National Days
NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY
NATIONAL CRAB STUFFED FLOUNDER DAY
NATIONAL BATTERY DAY
February 17th Celebrated History
1827
The U.S. Patent Office issues patent no. 4,669X to Chester Stone of Middlebury, New Haven County, Connecticut for the invention of a washing machine. The record of the patent was destroyed in the 1836 Patent Office fire at the Blodget’s Hotel. However, 61 years after Stone invented the washing machine, his son Marvin would invent the revolutionary drinking straw.
1863
Jean-Henry Dunant, Gustave Moynier, Théodore Maunoir, Guillaume-Henri Dufour and Louis Appia organize the humanitarian organization known as the International Red Cross
1867
The Suez Canal officially opens and the first ship passes through, L’Aigle, the imperial yacht of French Empress Eugenie.
1933
Newsweek publishes its first issue. Samuel T. Williamson served as the weekly periodical’s first editor-in-chief.
1968
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens in Springfield, Massachusetts.
1996
Human chess master, Garry Kasparov defeats IBM’s chess-playing computer, Deep Blue, 4 to 2.
2007
On the grounds of the North Dakota Capitol, 8,962 people set a record by making simultaneous snow angels.
February 17th Celebrated Birthdays
Raphaelle Peale – 1774
The artist is considered the first professional still-life artist in the United States. According to the National Gallery of Art, no more than 50 of his still-life pieces remain, though he also painted portraits, as did his father Charles.
Hilda Hewlett – 1864
Between 1910 and 1912, Hewlett founded a flying school, became the first British woman to earn a pilot’s license, and started building planes.
Mary Carson Breckinridge – 1881
In 1925, the American nurse-midwife founded the Frontier Nursing Service, providing rural health services. Her efforts brought much-needed training to remote areas of the Kentucky hills and the results were successful in numerous ways.
Hal Holbrook – 1925
The critically acclaimed American actor earned recognition on stage and screen. Known for bringing author Mark Twain to life on Broadway inMark Twain Tonight!, and the filmsInto the Wild, All the President’s Men, LincolnandWater for Elephants.
Lou Diamond Phillips – 1962
The Filipino-American actor is best known for his roles in the filmsLa Bamba, Young Guns,andStand and Deliver. He’s also known for the television seriesLongmireandProdigal Son.
Michael Jordan – 1963
Jordan played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association. During his career, he won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. Following his NBA career, Jordan has accomplished a successful business career.
