Have you ever looked at a postage stamp and wondered about the story behind the face? Stamps are more than just a way to pay for postage—they are tiny, gummed time capsules.
In our latest video, we dive into the significance of February 11th, exploring how the world of philately (stamp collecting) preserves the legacy of inventors, explorers, and icons of freedom.
Watch: This Day in History – February 11th on YouTube!
The Brilliance of Thomas Edison
On February 11, 1847, one of history's greatest minds was born. Thomas Edison, often called the "Wizard of Menlo Park," holds a staggering 1,093 patents. From the electric lightbulb to the phonograph and early motion picture cameras, Edison didn't just invent products; he invented the modern world.
In 1947, the United States issued a beautiful 3-cent purple stamp to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. This stamp serves as a permanent reminder of how one person's curiosity can illuminate the entire planet.
Sacagawea and the "Legends of the West"
February 11, 1805, marks a remarkable human story during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. On this day, Sacagawea gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
The 1994 USA "Legends of the West" issue honors this incredible woman. It’s a testament to her strength that her newborn son accompanied her on every step of the epic journey from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean and back. He remains one of the youngest explorers in American history!
Julia Child: Transforming the American Kitchen
Before food bloggers and 24-hour cooking networks, there was Julia Child. On February 11, 1963, her iconic show, The French Chef, premiered on television.
Julia Child didn't just teach us how to cook; she taught us how to be brave in the kitchen. The 2014 Celebrity Chefs stamp features her joyful presence, celebrating the woman who popularized French cuisine in America and pioneered the televised cooking show format we know today.
Nelson Mandela: A Walk to Freedom
Perhaps the most globally significant event on this date occurred in 1990, when Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison after 27 years of captivity.
This moment signaled the beginning of the end for apartheid in South Africa. In 2018, the United Nations released a commemorative stamp featuring Mandela. It serves as a powerful symbol of his journey from a revolutionary prisoner to the nation’s first Black president, reminding us that "it always seems impossible until it's done."
Final Thoughts
From the spark of a lightbulb to the birth of an explorer and the liberation of a world leader, February 11th is a day of monumental "firsts." By collecting these stamps, we keep these stories alive for future generations.
What’s your favorite historical moment from today? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to check out our YouTube channel!