Year after Year Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February but it has not always been this way. Originally Presidents day was on George Washington's actual birthday, February 22nd but it was later moved due to the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The act was created to generate more three day weekends and to alleviate various work absentees for nation workers. Today, Presidents day does not just celebrate Washington but all 44 Presidents.
The entire day is dedicated to patriotism and historical remembrance similar to the 4th of July. Celebrations are held throughout the nation including the Pioneer Valley. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States was born and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts. He attended Amherst College and held various political offices in Northampton including City Councilor, City Solicitor, and eventually Mayor. After his term as Mayor he was elected Governor of Massachusetts and eventually the Vice President to President Warren G. Harding. After the sudden death of President Harding, Coolidge replaced Harding in the White House as acting President. Despite speculation of Coolidges' governing practices, his political routes lay right here in Western Massachusetts.
This year Presidents day falls on Monday, February 15th, 2016 and all public schools will be closed, but not to worry there are plenty of events in honor of the holiday.
Old Sturbridge Village is hosting a Washington Ball to celebrate and anyone named George or Martha can receive free admission. Barnes and Noble in Holyoke is hosting a get to know your presidents event at 2pm for children of all ages. The Children's Museum in Easton, MA is hosting a historical presidential mystery event for children between 10am-4pm. If you feel like venturing out with the whole family, the JFK Presidential library in Boston is hosting a day long Family Festival.
All public schools, libraries, post offices, federal offices, county offices and state offices will be closed. Some banks throughout the area will be open and PVTA Bus service will follow a regular schedule except the M40, which will not be running.
It will be immensely cold this weekend, check out the warm indoor events Massachusetts has to offer this Presidents Day.