World’s first airmail flight – India

India , India

February 18, 1911, the world's first airmail flight took place in Allahabad, India. Special post mark all mail was stamped with “First Aerial Post, 1911, U. P. Exhibition Allahabad.”   100th Anniversary of 1st flight. Maxi card Release date: Feb. 12, 2011  4 stamps on souvenir sheet - 100th Anniversary of 1st flight.  India Post […]

Louis Riel Day in Manitoba

Canada , Canada

February 19 is Louis Riel Day in Manitoba Canada  "When the Government of Canada presented itself at our doors it found us at peace. It found that the Métis people of the North-West could not only live well without it . . . but that it had a government of its own, free, peaceful, well-functioning, […]

First Recorded Wine Auction in England

Georgia , Georgia

On February 20, 1673, the first recorded wine auction was held in England.  While wine auctions started in Burgundy, soon they began to take place in London, England. On February 20, 1673, the first-ever wine auction was held at Garraway’s Coffee House, Change Alley in London. In 17th century England, most trades for commodities and […]

John Lewis born Feb. 21 1940

USA

On February 21, 1940, John Lewis, politician, Civil Rights leader and Congressman was born.  "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to […]

Sophie Scholl is executed by Nazi government

Germany , Germany

On February 22, 1943, 21-year-old Sophie Scholl is executed by the Nazis for her resistance activities. Such a fine sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action? Sophie’s last words before execution   Sophie, and two others were arrested […]

First Canadian flight February 23, 1909

Canada , Canada

Large crowds gathered at Baddeck in Nova Scotia February 23, 1909, to witness the first Canadian flight. Dart designed Dart designed and flown by John McCurdy 100th Anniversary of the Silver Dart’s Flight   Canada Post issue 2009 Designers Crystal Oracle and Dennis Page of Trampoline Marketing Agency using Michael Little's artwork. On a cold February day, […]

The Flying Scotsman chugs into service Feb 24 1923

England , United Kingdom

On February 24, 1923, locomotive 1472, The Flying Scotsman, went into service for the new London and North Eastern Railway.  In 1862, when the East Coast route to Scotland was still young, Walter Leith of the Great Northern Railway had an idea. Why not run a through train from London to Edinburgh? This train was […]

Queen Elizabeth I excommunicated Feb 25, 1570

Guernsey , United Kingdom

February 25, 1570, Elizabeth I excommunicated by Pope Pius V. “The Damnation and Excommunication of Elizabeth Queen of England and her Adherents, with an Addition of other punishments Pius Bishop, Servant to God’s Servants, for a perpetual memorial of the matter..." 1570 - The Excommunication of Elizabeth I - The Anne Boleyn Files Two stamps […]

Napoleon escapes Feb 26, 1815

France

On February 26, 1815, Napoleon escapes from Elba and sends Europe into a panic. Napoleon Bonaparte, Bicentenary of Death Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) & Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) on Saint Helena La Poste France issued May 19, 2021 Designer & engraver Sophie Beaujard   On Feb 26th, Napoleon and about 1,000 of his followers boarded ships […]

It’s International Polar Bear Day

Canada , Canada

February 27 is International Polar Bear Day! Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Canada Post release October 27, 1998 Designer Steven Slipp Engraver was Martin Mörck If you examine the lines of text just below the DA in Canada, you will see two things: 1 the print reads "URSUS MARITIMUS" which is a micro security print feature. […]

Madagascar’s last Queen, Ranavalona III, is deposed

Madagascar , Madagascar

On February 28, 1897, Madagascar's Queen Ranavalona III was overthrown and sent into exile by invading French forces.  Who is certain of tomorrow? Only yesterday I was a queen. Today I am simply an unhappy, broken-hearted woman. Attributed to Ranavalona after her exile began. Ranavalona III part of a 4-stamp set celebrating the last 3 […]

1st warrants issued for witchcraft

Grenada , Grenada

On February 29, 1692, the first three women were officially accused of witchcraft in Salem, Mass.  Salem Witch Trials  Grenada Post Office issued May 1, 2000 Image used on this stamp was “Execution of Bridget Bishop at Salem, 1692.” Illustration by Joseph Boggs Beale. Circa 1885. After two months of growing hysteria about the "bewitchment" […]