This Monday, many offices and financial institutions will be closed in observance of a federal holiday. “President’s Day” was originally called Washington’s birthday and celebrated on the day of his birth (Feb 22nd under the Georgian Calendar). Lincoln’s birthday was also celebrated in February, but it wasn’t an official holiday.
According to the Britannica, the Uniform Monday Holiday bill was passed in 1968 (Public Law 90-363). This bill would move a variety of federal holidays to be observed on a Monday instead of their actual date. The idea was floated around to combine Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthday and rename it President’s Day, but the idea was rejected. Over time, the day was referred to as President’s Day by retailers to promote sales and the general public to honor all presidents.

If you have off that day, there are plenty of fun things to do.

1. Visit a Presidential Library
There are currently 13 Presidential libraries in the United States to visit and tour. Every president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama has a library and their site may also include a research center and their former home. The Barack Obama Presidential Center is still under way in Chicago. Check their schedules and times; admission on President’s Day may be free. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and pick up a Presidential Library Passport book. Get a stamp when you visit each location.
2. Hike or camp out at a National forest
Many National forest and other public lands will waive their fees on Monday. If you miss out on Monday, there will still be other days throughout the year where entrance and admission fees will be waived.
3. Visit the Nation’s Capital
What better way to celebrate President’s Day, then explore the region where most presidents and political figures served their country. You can see the portraits of past presidents and first ladies at the National Portrait Gallery (admission is free). Or join in on the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial held on Feb 17th. and 18th.
4. Stay in and watch a movie
Take your pick from a list of movies about or starring US Presidents. If you’re a thriller fan who doesn’t care about historical accuracy, watch “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter“.





