Clean Out Your Bookcase Day
Clean Out Your Bookcase Day is observed on February 20th each year as a reminder to declutter, organize, and refresh your book collection. Reorganize your books by genre, author, or theme. Donate books you no longer need to libraries, schools, or charities. Sell or trade books at local bookstores or online. Rediscover old favorites and set aside new reads.
Handcuff Day
Handcuff Day is observed on February 20th to mark the anniversary of the patent for modern handcuffs, which was granted on February 20, 1912, to George A. Carney. His design introduced the adjustable ratcheting mechanism still used today, making handcuffs more efficient and secure.
Hoodie Hoo Day
Hoodie Hoo Day is a quirky, good‑natured holiday celebrated every year on February 20th in the Northern Hemisphere. Its purpose is simple: chase away winter and welcome the coming of spring by stepping outside at exactly noon and shouting “Hoodie Hoo!” with hands raised high. Hoodie Hoo Day was created in the late 1980s by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, known for inventing dozens of humorous observances. Thomas Roy originally submitted the holiday to Chase’s Calendar of Events while working as a radio host; it was accepted, published, and eventually picked up by national media, helping it spread across North America. The date—February 20th—was chosen to fall exactly one month before the spring equinox, giving people a symbolic way to shake off the winter blues.
Here are some notable historical events that happened on February 20th:
Historical Events:
1792 – U.S. Postal Service Established
President George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the United States Post Office Department, which later became the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
1809 – U.S. Supreme Court Rules on Marbury v. Madison
One of the most important cases in U.S. history, this ruling established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
1872 – New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Opens
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) opened in New York City and has since become one of the world’s most famous museums.
1909 – Futurist Manifesto Published
Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti published The Futurist Manifesto, launching the Futurism movement, which celebrated modern technology, speed, and innovation.
1912 – Modern Handcuffs Patented
George A. Carney received a U.S. patent for the first modern ratcheting handcuff design, which is still widely used today.
1962 – John Glenn Orbits the Earth
Astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth aboard Friendship 7 during NASA’s Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. He completed three orbits in about five hours.
1986 – The Soviet Union Launches Mir Space Station
The Mir space station, the first modular space station, was launched by the Soviet Union. It remained in orbit for 15 years.
Famous Birthdays:
1844 – Ludwig Boltzmann – Austrian physicist, known for his work in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
1924 – Gloria Vanderbilt – American fashion designer, artist, and socialite.
1925 – Robert Altman – American filmmaker, known for MASH*, Nashville, and The Player.
1937 – Nancy Wilson – Grammy-winning American jazz singer.
1946 – Sandy Duncan – American actress, known for The Hogan Family and Broadway performances.
1966 – Cindy Crawford – American supermodel and businesswoman.
1988 – Rihanna – Barbadian singer, actress, and business mogul.
Notable Deaths:
1431 – Pope Martin V – Head of the Catholic Church who helped end the Western Schism.
1790 – Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor – Known for progressive reforms in the Austrian Empire.
1993 – Ferruccio Lamborghini – Founder of Lamborghini, the iconic Italian sports car brand.
2005 – Hunter S. Thompson – American journalist and creator of Gonzo journalism (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas).
