1554
Politics
Execution of Lady Jane Grey
Lady Jane Grey, claimant to the throne, was executed at the Tower of London.
View detailsThis Day
12February
27 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1847
Science
Birth of Sara Yorke Stevenson
Sara Yorke Stevenson was born in Paris, France, to American parents, later becoming a pioneering Egyptologist and archaeologist.
View details1877
Politics
Named heir apparent and Crown Princess of Hawaiʻi
King Kalākaua names Liliʻuokalani heir apparent and Crown Princess of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
View details1881
Activism
Marries William Ashmead-Bartlett
At age 66, she married her much younger secretary William Ashmead-Bartlett, an act that caused public controversy and financial complications.
View details1881
Arts
Birth of Anna Pavlova
Anna Pavlova was born on February 12, 1881, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
View details1896
Medicine
Files U.S. Patent Application for One-Handed Medical Syringe
Letitia Mumford Geer filed a U.S. patent application for a one-handed medical syringe with a glass barrel, rubber plunger, and U-shaped handle.
View details1897
Activism
Renunciation of woman suffrage and start of United Brewers’ Association work
Couzins renounced suffrage and joined the United Brewers' Association in 1897.
View details1909
Activism
Co‑founding of the NAACP
Co‑founder of the NAACP at its interracial founding on February 12, 1909.
View details1909
Activism
Participated in founding of the NAACP
Kelley joined the founding conference of the NAACP on Lincoln's centennial, linking labor reform to civil rights advocacy.
View details1914
Science
Patent application filed for the Backless Brassiere
Mary Phelps Jacob filed a U.S. patent application for her 'Backless Brassiere' design.
View details1921
Science
Birth in Creeslough, County Donegal, Ireland
Kathleen Rita 'Kay' McNulty was born in the Feymore area of Creeslough, County Donegal, Ireland, during the Irish War of Independence.
View details1925
Science
Birth of Joan Mitchell in Chicago
Joan Mitchell was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 12, 1925, into an affluent, culturally engaged family.
View details1936
Law
First woman to win a scholarship at Gray’s Inn
Heilbron won a scholarship at Gray’s Inn, breaking barriers for women entering Inns of Court.
View details1938
Arts
First recordings with the Count Basie Orchestra
First recordings with the Count Basie Orchestra, including key swing‑era standards.
View details1938
Literature
Birth of Judy Blume
Judy Blume, born Judith Sussman, was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on February 12, 1938.
View details1946
Aviation
Death of Lady Grace Hay Drummond-Hay in New York City
Lady Grace Marguerite Hay Drummond-Hay died of coronary thrombosis at the Lexington Hotel in Manhattan, New York, on 12 February 1946, aged 50.
View details1951
Arts
Founded the National Ballet of Canada
On February 12, 1951, Celia Franca established the National Ballet of Canada, a pivotal moment in Canadian dance history.
View details1957
Science
Birth of Janet Emerson Bashen
Janet Rita Emerson (later Janet Emerson Bashen) was born in Mansfield, Ohio, United States.
View details1969
Activism
Plaza Hotel Oak Room protest against sex discrimination
Friedan led a protest at NYC’s Plaza Hotel against sex discrimination in 1969.
View details1980
Literature
Death of Muriel Rukeyser
Muriel Rukeyser died on February 12, 1980, in New York City.
View details1981
Sports
First career win as a jockey
Julie Krone earned her first career win as a jockey aboard Lord Farkle at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida.
View details1992
Science
Gold medal in 1,000 m at Albertville 1992
Bonnie Blair won gold in the women's 1,000-meter speed skating event at the 1992 Albertville Olympics with a time of 1:21.90.
View details2005
Arts
"The Gates" opens in Central Park, New York
7,503 saffron fabric gates opened along 23 miles of Central Park pathways, drawing millions of visitors in one of the most celebrated public art events in NYC history.
View details2009
Arts
NAACP Image Award for TV adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun
Rashad won the NAACP Image Award for her work in 'A Raisin in the Sun.'
View details2015
Science
First woman hired to coach in a men's professional football league
The Texas Revolution named Welter linebackers and special teams coach, making her the first woman hired to coach a men's professional football team.
View details2018
Politics
Awarded Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the Ibrahim Prize on February 12, 2018.
View details2025
Activism
Aurat March honors 1983 anti-Zia protest on National Women's Day
Aurat March organized a 'Feminist History' themed march in Lahore on Pakistan's National Women's Day, honoring the women of the historic February 12, 1983 protest.
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