Presidents’ Day Is a National Holiday

 Events
Feb 172025
 

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: White House Biographies. 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?

National Cabbage Day

 Events
Feb 172025
 

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.

Kosovo Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Feb 172025
 
Kosovo

Flag of Kosovo

Kosovo celebrates Independence Day. In 2008 it broke away from Serbia. According to the CIA World Factbook, Kosovo is slightly larger than Delaware. Almost two million people live in this landlocked country. Pristina is the capital and largest city, and the country is rich in minerals and lignite. Children could learn more at: Kosovo.

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

 Events
Feb 172025
 

White House

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.

NEAR-Shoemaker Was Launched in 1996

 Events
Feb 172025
 

NEAR-Shoemaker

NEAR-Shoemaker was launched in 1996. Almost five years later, on February 12, 2001, it became the first spacecraft to land on a meteor. NEAR-Shoemaker landed on near-earth asteroid Eros and sent back data until February 28, 2001. The extreme cold on the asteroid probably prevented the return of more data. Older children can learn more at: http://science.nasa.gov/missions/near/.

Birthdays

 Birthdays
Feb 172025
 

Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec (born Quimper, France, 1781; died Quimper, France, August 13, 1826) was a doctor. He also invented the stethoscope. Idea: Children could make stethoscopes by following the directions at: Stethoscope.

Andre Norton (born Cleveland, Ohio, 1912; died Murfreesboro, Tennessee, March 17, 2005) is sometimes called the Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She is best known for her Witch World series. Children can learn more at: Andre Norton.

Still Life with Cake
Raphaelle Peale
Brooklyn Museum

Raphaelle Peale (born Annapolis, Maryland, 1774; died Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1825) was an artist and a member of the famous Peale family. He is most known for his still life works. Children can view some of his works at: Raphaelle Peale.

Robert Newton Peck (born Vermont, 1928; died Longwood, Florida, June 23, 2020) was a children’s author. He wrote over 50 books. One of his books is A Day No Pigs Would Die. He was also the author of the Soup books. Children can visit a website devoted to him at: Robert Newtown Peck.

Virginia Sorensen (born Provo, Utah, 1912; died Hendersonville, North Carolina, December 24, 1991) wrote books for both adults and children. She received the 1957 Newbery Medal for Miracles on Maple Hill.

Aaron Montgomery Ward (born Chatham, New Jersey, 1844; died Chicago, Illinois, December 7, 1913) was one of the first people to sell mail order. He started Montgomery Ward in 1872 with George R. Thorne. Their first business was located in a loft of a livery stable.