🗓️ On This Day - January 15th
January 15th is a special day for millions of birthday celebrators all over the world - but did you know it’s also a huge day for Super Bowl fans, and for those who use Wikipedia daily? Here are some fun facts about January 15th that might just surprise you all the same.
On this day
Elizabeth I became Queen of England and Ireland.
On January 15th, 1559, Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England and Ireland in Westminster Abbey. Her reign lasted from 1558 to her death in 1603. She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and was the last of the monarchs from the House of Tudor.
Due to her never marrying, she was known as the Virgin Queen - and was credited with the restoration of Protestantism in England and the defeat of the Spanish Armada!
The British Museum’s doors are wide open!
On this day back in 1759, the British Museum finally opened its doors to the public! Its collection of over eight million works of art and artifacts is among the largest in the world - it is free to enter its permanent galleries, although you may have to pay for access to the special exhibitions (hint - they’re well worth it!).
Australia claims its cross.
In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II signed a patent that allowed Australia to institute its own Victoria Cross in its honors system. It was the first ever Commonwealth realm to do so - a massive honor!
Wikipedia took the world by storm!
We’ve all used Wikipedia at one point or another, but did you know that January 15th is its birthday? It was launched on this very day back in 2001 and has since become one of the most popular websites on the internet - great for getting some hints on homework, for example!
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai made its presence known.
Not too long ago, back in 2022, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted. The consequences of the eruption included a full cut-off of communications with Tonga. It also caused a tsunami across the Pacific!
Special Days Falling on January 15th
National Bagel Day
Nothing beats a toasted bagel on a morning, with some cream cheese, seasoning, or even some sweet jam! These "holy" treats quickly became one of the US' most iconic and favorite foods, and you'll likely find them in bakeries all over the globe. Grab your favorite toppings and bagel up!
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
If you’re in a sweet mood, then January 15th is likely a day you’ll want to remember. It’s National Strawberry Ice Cream Day! Nothing is quite as sweet as a cool strawberry ice cream cone on a hot day. And, while its national day is technically in January, there’s nothing stopping you from getting a scoop now - just wrap up warm while you fill your cone up!
National Hat Day
Some of us are hat people, some of us aren’t - but there’s no denying that January 15th is an everybody-should-wear-hats kind of day! So, get out your most daring and funky topper, or keep it simple with your go-to beret and wear it with pride!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In January 1943, German troops surrendered at Stalingrad. It was Germany’s first big defeat during the Second World War. About 160,000 Germans were killed during the Battle of Stalingrad, and about 90,000 were taken prisoner, including commander Friedrich von Paulus, the first Nazi field marshal to surrender.
Famous Birthdays on January 15th
If you were born on January 15th…
…you’re a Capricorn! You are a devoted friend and partner – and frankly, you expect the same in return. Why wouldn’t you?! Learn more about what being a Capricorn means over at our fact file.
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