February 17 in History for Kids

February 17 collects short history notes for families. The years on this page include 1653, 1740, 1621, 1819. Violent events and crimes are left off. Each line is a small true thing to ask about, not a whole lesson. February 29 is included so a leap-day birthday still has a page. Walk with the previous and next links, or open the February hub for the rest of the month.

In 1653, Arcangelo Corelli was born. Arcangelo became known as italian violinist and composer.
In 1740, Horace-Bénédict de Saussure was born. Horace-Bénédict became known as swiss physicist and meteorologist.
In 1621, myles Standish is appointed as first military commander of the English Plymouth Colony in North America.
In 1819, the United States House of Representatives passes the Missouri Compromise for the first time.

Pair a date with a story in the library or a geography quiz if you want to keep going.