Also on This Day in History February 17
Discover what happened on February 17 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.
Births on This Day, February 17
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1781
René Laënnec
French physician who invented Stethoscope
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1917
Guillermo González Camarena
Mexican inventor who invented color television
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1850
Georg Theodor August Gaffky
German bacteriologist
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1723
Tobias Mayer
German astronomer who developed lunar tables for longitude determination
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1923
Alden Winship Clausen
American banker and President of World Bank
Deaths on This Day, February 17
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1959
Andrew J. Moyer
American microbiologist who invented a method for mass-producing the antibiotic penicillin
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1890
Christopher Latham Sholes
American newspaper man and inventor of the typewriter
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2012
Ulric Neisser
American psychologist
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1874
Adolphe Quetelet
Belgian astronomer, sociologist and mathematician
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2024
Johan Galtung
Norwegian sociologist and father of peace studies
2008
Kosovo declares its independence
On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, following years of political tensions and international negotiations. The declaration was supported by the United States and many European countries but was opposed by Serbia and its ally Russia. Kosovo's independence marked a significant moment in the region's history, although it remains a topic of international debate and diplomatic challenge.
1897
National Organization of Mothers Forms, Becomes Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
In 1897, the National Congress of Mothers was established, later evolving into the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). This organization aimed to promote the welfare of children in schools and homes. It became a pivotal force in advocating for children's education and welfare across the United States, fostering collaboration between parents, teachers, and communities.
1980
First Winter Ascent of Mount Everest
On February 17, 1980, Krzysztof Wielicki and Leszek Cichy completed the first winter ascent of Mount Everest, a monumental achievement in mountaineering history. This expedition showcased their resilience and skill in tackling the extreme challenges of Everest's winter conditions.
1965
US Ranger 8 Launches, Transmitting 7,137 Lunar Pictures
On February 17, 1965, the US spacecraft Ranger 8 was launched with the mission to capture and transmit detailed images of the lunar surface. Over its mission, Ranger 8 successfully transmitted 7,137 high-resolution photographs of the Moon's surface back to Earth, providing valuable data for NASA's lunar exploration efforts.