On January 22, 1901, Queen Victoria—the longest-reigning British monarch of her era—died after more than six decades on the throne, closing a chapter that reshaped Britain and the modern world. Her life and reign were so influential that her image would go on to appear on countless postage stamps, helping establish a tradition that continues with British monarchs today.
On January 21, 1915, a small meeting in Detroit, Michigan sparked a global movement built on service and friendship. What began on that winter day would grow into Kiwanis International, an organization dedicated to improving communities and helping children around the world.
On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy took the oath of office on a cold Washington day, while the nation witnessed something entirely new at a presidential inauguration. Standing beside the youthful new president was Robert Frost, America’s most famous living poet, marking the first time poetry became part of the inaugural ceremony.
Born on January 19, 1918, in Arkansas City, Arkansas, John Harold Johnson rose from poverty and segregation to become one of the most influential publishers in American history. With vision and determination, he built a media empire that reshaped how African Americans saw themselves—and how the nation saw them.
On January 18, 1944, the grand halls of the Metropolitan Opera House echoed with something never heard there before—the electrifying sound of jazz. What began as a magazine poll became a historic night that blended music, patriotism, and cultural change during the height of World War II.
On January 21, 1915, a small meeting in Detroit, Michigan sparked a global movement built on service and friendship. What began on that winter day would grow into Kiwanis International, an organization dedicated to improving communities and helping children around the world.
On December 20, 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of Children’s and Household Tales, a collection that would later become famous around the world as Grimm’s Fairy Tales. What began as a scholarly project to preserve German folklore soon grew into one of the most influential books in literary history.
On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol, a small book that would become one of the most famous holiday stories ever written. Released just days before Christmas, the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors captured the spirit of the season—and the conscience of Victorian England. Though Dickens was already a well-known author, few could have predicted that this short Christmas book would become his most enduring work, shaping how Christmas itself is celebrated and remembered.
On December 18, 1918, war-torn and recently independent Latvia issued its first stamps, printed on the back of German military maps.
On January 22, 1963, France and West Germany signed the Élysée Treaty, ending centuries of rivalries between the two nations. In 1988, both countries collaborated on joint-issue stamps marking the treaty’s 25th anniversary.
U Thant was born in Pantanaw, British Burma, on January 22, 1909.
January 22, 2023 marked the start of the Year of the Rabbit on the Chinese calendar. The New Year celebration – also known as the Spring Festival – is the most important holiday in Chinese culture.
On January 22, 1991, the USPS issued a 4¢ stamp to “make-up” the difference between the old 25¢ rate and the new 29¢ rate. While it was criticized for its lack of design, was the first non-denominated stamp of its kind.
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