On This Day - February 26, 2026

National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for February 26, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.

2026

National Days on February 26, 2026

Ongoing National Months

These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.

Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for February.

Historical Events on February 26

Events that occurred on February 26 throughout history

1903

The U.S. Patent Office issued patent no. 534,840 to Michael Joseph Owens for a glass-blowing machine. Later that same year, Owens would co-found the Owens Bottle Machine Company in Toledo, Ohio. He also filed several other patents for bottle making.

1909

The Palace Theatre in London introduced the public to Kinemacolor with a showing of 21 short films. George Albert Smith created the process for adding color filters to film.

1970

National Public Radio files articles of incorporation with the District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds. The organization's membership is comprised of independent, private, public U.S. radio stations.

1986

Congress established the title of Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry on December 20, 1985. On February 26, 1986, Robert Pen Warren was named the nation's first Poet Laureate.