February History
On February 20th, this astronaut became the first American to orbit the Earth.
Who is John Glenn?
The spacecraft the Friendship 7 completed three orbits in 4 hours and 55 minutes. He took the first handheld photographs of Earth using a 35mm camera purchased from a drug store in Cocoa Beach, FL.
This band hit #1 on February 4th, 1978, with "Stayin' Alive" from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.
Who are the Beegees?
This iconic English author, born on February 7, 1812, is best known for novels such as Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol.
Who is Charles Dickens?
These two presidents are celebrated on Presidents Day.
Who are Washington and Lincoln?
Washington was born on February 22nd, while Lincoln was born on February 12th. We observe their birthdays on the third Monday of February.
On February 16th, 1968, the first call was made using this three-digit number.
What is 911?
On February 7th, 1964, they landed in America. It was the beginning of the “British Invasion” and music in general, and rock and roll specifically, would never be the same.
Who are the Beatles?
Born on February 26th, 1932, this country western singer is known for dressing in a single color.
Who is Johnny Cash?
Known as the “Man in Black”, Cash was famous for hits such as I walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, and many others. In his later life he became an advocate for prison reform, injustices against Native Americans, and other civil rights and social justice issues.
This man was the first American-born president.
Who is Martin Van Buren?
Van Buren was the 8th president and the first to have been born after the American Revolution, in 1782. The seven presidents before him were all born in the American colonies as British subjects.
On February 11, 1990, this South African anti-apartheid leader was released from prison after 27 years, marking a turning point in the fight to end apartheid.
Who is Nelson Mandela?
On February 10th, 1972, this person debuts alter-ego Ziggy Stardust at a concert in Tolworth, England stoaking the fires of Glam Rock to new highs.
Who is David Bowie?
Born on February 3rd, this famous American painter was a fixture of The Saturday Evening Post.
Who is Norman Rockwell?
Rockwell was born on February 3rd, 1894. He spent almost 5 decades with the Post magazine, and also worked with the Boy Scouts of America for 64 years. He produced more than 4,000 original works in his lifetime.
This president was often mocked in the press for his unkempt appearance.
Who was Abraham Lincoln?
Before being known as the Great Emancipator, Lincoln was known for his disheveled appearance. Newspapers often ridiculed him for it; some called him “hatchet-faced” and described him as lean and gangly. One newspaper referred to his “thatch of wild republican hair” with his “irregular flocks of thick hair carelessly brushed” across his face.
On February 6th, 1952, this monarch ascended to the British throne, upon the death of her father, King George VI.
Who is Queen Elizabeth II?
The longest-serving British monarch, Queen Elizabeth reigned 70 years and 214 days, until her death in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Who is Fleetwood Mac?
Born February 15th, 1820, this women’s rights activist campaigned against slavery and for women’s voting rights.
Who is Susan B Anthony?
Born a Quaker, she became good friends with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another women’s suffrage activist, and founded many women’s rights organizations such as the Women’s loyal national League, American Equal Rights association, and the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She was arrested for attempting to vote in 1872. She and her organizations continued to campaign for women’s suffrage and finally in 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, 14 years after her death.
This was the first president to live in the White House.
Who was John Adams?
He lived in it only briefly before Jefferson was elected and took up residence. The first structure was burnt down in 1814 during the war of 1812 with the British, and had to be rebuilt.
On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting Black men the right to do this civic duty.
What is vote?
Passed by Congress on February 26, 1869, the 15th amendment prohibited denying citizens the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, calling its ratification the most important event since the nation came to life.
February 3rd, 1959, became known as the Day the Music Died when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. "the Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash in Iowa. This event was later memorialized in this song by Don McLean.
American Pie, released in 1970
Born on February 17th, this famous basketball player got a lot of “air” time.
Who is Michael Jordan?
Born on February 17th, 1963, Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, and still holds several NBA records. He also released an incredibly successful line of shoes with Nike called “Air Jordans.”
This state has "produced" more presidents than any other.
What is Virginia?
8 presidents were born in Virginia; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.