International On This Day - January 2, 2026

International observance days, weeks, and months for January 2, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.

2026

International observance days on January 2, 2026

Historical Events on January 2

Events that occurred on January 2 throughout history

1839

Louis Daguerre captures the first photo of the Moon

1890

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.

1959

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.

1991

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 

Born on January 2

People born on January 2

Helen Herron Taft

Isaac Asimov

Jack Hanna

Juanita Jackson Mitchell

Charles Russell Lowell Jr

Beatrice Hicks

Lynne Cox

Roger Miller

Bob Marshall

Philip Freneau

Tex Rickard

Alice Mary Robertson 

Larry Harmon