Presidents’ Day Is a National Holiday

 Events
Feb 162026
 

George Washington

Abraham Lincoln

Presidents’ Day is a national holiday. Originally meant to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, this day honors all of our Presidents. Children could read Anne Rockwell’s book, Presidents’ Day. They could also visit the White House site to read a biography of every president, starting with George Washington, at: Presidents. Children could participate in some Presidential trivia. Which President served the least amount of time? Which President served the most amount of time? Which President received a patent? Which President went on to serve on the Supreme Court?

World Whale Day

 Events
Feb 162026
 

Southern Right Whale

World Whale Day is today. Celebrated on the third Sunday in February, the day was was started by a group in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii. They were concerned about the humpback whale, which is found in the waters off the island. Gregg Kauffman founded the Pacific Whale Foundation because he was concerned about the decline in whale populations. Whales are now protected by international laws. Prior to such laws whales were hunted. Even today bycatch and pollution threaten whale populations. Whales are the largest mammals. Two types of whale exist: baleen whales and toothed whales. Children could learn more at: Whales.

 

Lithuania Celebrates Independence Day of 1918

 Events
Feb 162026
 
Lithuania

Flag of Lithuania

Lithuania celebrates Independence Day of 1918. It became free of Russian and German rule. People celebrate this day even though Lithuania was annexed into the Soviet Union in 1940. In 1991 Lithuania became the first nation to break away from the Soviet Union. According to the CIA World Factbook, Lithuania is slightly larger than West Virginia and hosts a population of about 2.7 million people. It borders the Baltic Sea, and Vilnius is the capital. A member of the European Union, Lithuania depends on agricultural products, including grains, potatoes, and flax.

South Pole Telescope Saw First Light in 2007

 Events
Feb 162026
 

South Pole Telescope saw first light in 2007. Scientists using the ten-foot diameter radio telescope are seeking data regarding the history of the universe, dark energy, and galaxy clusters. The radio telescope is located on a South Pole plateau two miles above sea level. The air there is so dry that the area is desert-like. Older children can learn more at an excellent site: South Pole Telescope.

Mardi Gras Is Today!

 Events
Feb 172026
 

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is today! Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in French) is the last day before the start of Lent, the forty days before Easter. Today is a day of feasting and partying because Lent is not a time of feasting and partying. Special foods include doughnuts and a King Cake (complete with a small, plastic baby). Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Many cities, including New Orleans, host Mardi Gras parades and other activities. Children can find Mardi Gras activities at: Mardi Gras.

National Cabbage Day

 Events
Feb 172026
 

National Cabbage Day is today! A vegetable grown in even ancient times, the cabbage is a nutritious, versatile vegetable. The largest cabbage grown weighed 138 pounds 4 ounces! The world’s biggest producers of cabbage are China, India, Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine. In the United States, the biggest producers are California, New York, Florida, and Wisconsin. Idea: Children could research the health benefits of cabbage.

Alice Roosevelt, Daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, Was Married in the White House in 1906

 Events
Feb 172026
 

Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, was married in the White House in 1906. She married Nicholas Longworth. The public was captivated by her and the wedding, and tickets for the wedding were difficult to come by. Eight other “First Daughters” have been married in the White House. Children could view a list of all weddings held at the White House at: White House Weddings.

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