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" […]

Dr Who’s greatest archenemy born

England , United Kingdom

On March 1, 1918, Roger Delgado, the original Master was born.  Roger Delgado, label from the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Who series Royal Mail issued in March 26, 2013 Designer: GBH 4 portraits of Dr Who can be seen on the bottom row, with Delgado the last on the right.  There have been many who […]

King Kong ROARS to the silver screen

Canada , Canada

91 years ago on March 2, 1933, King Kong clambered atop the Empire State Building, with Fay Wray in tow and made cinematic history. THE LOUDSPEAKER Kong is going West. He is making for the Empire State Building. DRISCOLL (to Sergeant) If he goes up there, what can we do? SERGEANT We won't be able […]

Anne Sullivan meets Helen Keller for the first time

USA

On March 3, 1887, teacher Anne Sullivan met Helen Keller Helen Keller (1880-1968) and Anne Sullivan (1867-1936) USPS issued June 27, 1980 20-year-old Anne Sullivan traveled to Ivy Green, Alabama to take over the education of blind and deaf child Helen Keller.   ... began working to socialize her wild, stubborn student and teach her by […]

Prince Henry the Navigator born

Portugal , Portugal

630 years ago, March 4, 1394, Prince Henry the Navigator was born in Porto, Portugal. Although he never personally participated in Portugal's voyages, Prince Henry is considered one of the leading pioneers of maritime exploration that eventually ushered in the Age of Discover. He sponsored voyages to unknown parts, expanding Portugal's knowledge of the world, […]

Country legend Patsy Cline died

USA

On March 5, 1963, county singer Patsy Cline died at the age 30.  "Don't worry about me, Hoss. When it's my time to go, it's my time."  Patsy's last words to a friend on the afternoon of March 5. She had just turned down an offer to accompany him on an 8-hour drive back to […]