1778
Science
Death of Laura Bassi
Laura Bassi died in Bologna, ending a pioneering career as Europe's first female physics professor.
View detailsThis Day
20February
15 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1805
1852
Science
Poem 'Sic transit gloria mundi' published as 'A Valentine'
Dickinson's poem appeared in the Springfield Daily Republican on February 20, 1852, titled 'A Valentine.'
View details1875
Aviation
Birth of Marie Marvingt
Birth of Marie Marvingt in Aurillac, France, marking the start of a groundbreaking career in sport, aviation, and medical innovation.
View details1888
Arts
Marie Rambert's Birth
Marie Rambert was born on February 20, 1888, in Warsaw, then part of the Russian Empire.
View details1893
Literature
Birth of Elizabeth Holloway Marston
Elizabeth Holloway Marston was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
View details1914
Activism
Sentenced for anti-militarist agitation
Luxemburg sentenced for anti-militarist speeches on February 20, 1914.
View details1935
Exploration
First recorded woman to set foot in Antarctica
Caroline Mikkelsen landed from the whaling ship M/S Thorshavn on an island near the Vestfold Hills, becoming the first woman recorded to set foot in Antarctica.
View details1958
Politics
First woman to serve as Acting Prime Minister (Day 2)
Fairclough completed her historic two-day tenure as Canada's first female Acting Prime Minister on February 20, 1958.
View details1970
Literature
Death of Sophie Treadwell
Sophie Treadwell passed away on February 20, 1970, in Tucson, Arizona.
View details1972
Science
Death of Maria Goeppert Mayer
Maria Goeppert Mayer died of a heart attack in San Diego, California.
View details1977
Sports
First woman to qualify for and compete in the Daytona 500
Janet Guthrie qualified for and competed in the Daytona 500.
View details1991
Science
GRAMMY win for 'All That Jazz'
Fitzgerald won Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female for 'All That Jazz' on February 20, 1991, her final competitive GRAMMY.
View details2001
2020
Science
IEEE Eric E. Sumner Award
Perlman awarded IEEE Eric E. Sumner Award for internet routing contributions.
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