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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for January 2, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for January.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on January 2 throughout history
Louis Daguerre captures the first photo of the Moon
President William Henry Harrison appoints the first woman to the role of presidential secretary. Alice Sanger's impeccable qualifications as a skilled stenographer and typist gained her an introduction to Harrison two years prior.
The Soviet Union launches Luna 1, the first spacecraft to escape the Earth's gravitational pull. Intended to impact the Moon, the unmanned rocket overshot the Moon and entered orbit around the Sun.
The first African American woman elected mayor of a major city and the first Mayor of the District of Columbia is sworn into office. Sharon Pratt Kelly ran for the office on the Democratic ticket against Maurice T. Turner, Jr. January 2nd Celebrated Birthdays
People born on January 2
