Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated in Many Parts of the World

 Events
Feb 142026
 

Created by Sandie Obrin

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world. Three factors may contribute to the creation of Valentine’s Day. The holiday may have roots in an ancient Roman festival, Lupercalia. One saint named Valentine secretly married couples against a Roman emperor’s wishes. Another saint named Valentine refused to worship Roman gods and was arrested. Children tossed him notes, and thus the idea of exchanging valentines began. Other people believe birds choose their mates on Valentine’s Day. Idea: Instead of buying valentines, children could make cards. They could also learn more at: Valentine’s Day.

Great Backyard Bird Count Occurs between February 14 and February 17!

 Events
Feb 142026
 

Anna’s Hummingbird in Big Bend

Great Backyard Bird Count occurs between February 14 and February 17! Children can spend as little as fifteen minutes in the backyard, identifying, counting, and photographing birds. They can submit their findings to add to the world’s knowledge of birds. Children can visit Great Backyard Bird Count. There they can find a printable bird checklist, data regarding past bird counts, and free apps to identify birds. What a fun, free, and engaging activity!

Happy Birthday, Oregon!

 Events
Feb 142026
 
Oregon State Flag

Oregon State Flag

Reverse Oregon State Flag

Reverse Oregon State Flag

Oregon became the thirty-third state of the United States in 1859. The state’s nickname is the Beaver State. Salem is the state capital, but Portland is the largest city. It is the leading state in the production of Christmas trees. It is also one of the strongest states in regard to the environment. The state is the ninth largest state, and it is 43rd in population. The square dance is the state’s official dance.

Happy Birthday, Arizona!

 Events
Feb 142026
 
Arizona State Flag

Arizona State Flag

Arizona became the forty-eighth state of the United States in 1912. The word Arizona derives from a Pima or Papago word meaning, place of small springs. It was relatively unpopulated until the wide spread use of air conditioners. It still faces the problem of water scarcity. Arizona is the sixth largest state and the fourteenth most populated. The bolo tie is the state’s official neckwear. Children could visit an Internet site at: Arizona.

World Hippo Day

 Events
Feb 152026
 

Hippopotamus

World Hippo Day is today! The day reminds us to make sure hippos survive and thrive. The animals’ name is interesting: hippos means horse and potamos means river. So the animals’ name is apt: a river horse. Two types of hippos exist today. The common hippo is on the vulnerable list and the pigmy hippo is on the endangered list. Both types exist in sub-Saharan Africa. They are the third largest land mammal, after elephants and rhinos. Children can learn more at: Hippos.

Remember the Maine Day Dates Back to 1898

 Events
Feb 152026
 

Remember the Maine Day dates back to 1898. The United States battleship Maine, anchored in the harbor in Havana, Cuba, was blown up. Over two hundred Americans died, and the United States felt Spain was responsible. The United States declared war against Spain, starting the Spanish-American War, on April 25, 1898.  Children can learn more at: Remember the Maine Day.

ENIAC Was Dedicated in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia

 Events
Feb 152026
 

ENIAC was dedicated in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. ENIAC (Electrical Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was among the first general computers. A marvel during its time, ENIAC was the size of a room. It used vacuum tubes, resistors, and transistors. Today a laptop can do all that the ENIAC could do. ENIAC was powered down October 2, 1955. Parts of ENIAC are with the Smithsonian and other institutions.

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