Cheddar Day
National Cheddar Day is celebrated on February 13th each year to honor one of the most popular and beloved cheeses in the world—cheddar. Known for its sharp and tangy flavor, cheddar has a rich history and is a staple in many dishes, from sandwiches to sauces to snacks.
Desperation Day
Desperation Day is observed on February 13th and is a lighthearted celebration of those moments when we all feel a bit desperate or overwhelmed. Whether it’s trying to finish a project at the last minute, dealing with a long to-do list, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, this day acknowledges the times when we’re pushed to our limits but often find a way to persevere.
Here are some significant historical events that happened on February 13th throughout history:
Historical Events
1633 – Galileo Galilei arrives in Rome for trial
Galileo Galilei, the Italian astronomer, was tried by the Catholic Inquisition for supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system, which contradicted the Church’s teachings.
1689 – William and Mary are crowned co-rulers of England
William III and Mary II were crowned King and Queen of England, after the Glorious Revolution which led to the deposition of King James II.
1809 – Birth of Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin, English naturalist and biologist, was born. He is best known for developing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman in the U.S. to receive a medical degree
Elizabeth Blackwell earned her medical degree from Geneva Medical College in New York, paving the way for women in medicine.
1935 – The Hoover Dam is completed
The Hoover Dam, one of the largest engineering projects of its time, was completed on the border between Arizona and Nevada.
1954 – The first American civilian nuclear power plant begins operation
The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant in New York became the first commercial civilian nuclear power plant to produce electricity in the United States.
1971 – The U.S. National Public Radio (NPR) is established
National Public Radio (NPR) was founded to provide non-profit, independent, and educational programming.
1990 – The Hubble Space Telescope is launched into orbit
The Hubble Space Telescope, one of the most important scientific tools for studying the universe, was launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery.
2004 – The United States issues a worldwide tsunami warning
A massive tsunami off the coast of Sumatra caused devastation across multiple countries in Southeast Asia, and the U.S. issued a global tsunami warning system.
Notable Birthdays
1809 – Charles Darwin – English naturalist and biologist, known for his theory of evolution.
1850 – Thomas Edison – American inventor, best known for the phonograph and light bulb.
1881 – Stanley Kubrick – American filmmaker, director of classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining.
1923 – Douglas MacArthur – American general who played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II.
1952 – Peter Gabriel – English musician, known as the lead vocalist of Genesis and for his solo work, including hits like Sledgehammer.
Notable Deaths
1968 – Edith Nesbit – British author, famous for works like The Railway Children.
1984 – Eddie Adams – American photographer, known for capturing the iconic image of the execution of a Viet Cong prisoner.
1994 – Anne Frank’s father Otto Frank – The last surviving member of the Frank family, he passed away. He was the one who helped preserve his daughter Anne Frank’s diary.
