January 31 in History for Kids

January 31 collects short history notes for families. The years on this page include 1512, 1686, 1747, 1862. 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 January hub for the rest of the month.

In 1512, Henry was born. Henry became known as king of Portugal.
In 1686, Hans Egede was born. Hans became known as norwegian missionary and explorer.
In 1747, the first venereal diseases clinic opens at London Lock Hospital.
In 1862, alvan Graham Clark discovers the white dwarf star Sirius B, a companion of Sirius, through an 18.5-inch (47 cm) telescope now located at Northwestern…

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