National Battery Day (February 18)
National Battery Day is celebrated on February 18 each year to honor the contributions of batteries in our daily lives.
From powering our phones to keeping our cars running, batteries have become an essential part of modern living.
Whether you’re replacing old batteries, learning about their history, or exploring fun science projects, there are plenty of ways to recognize this day.
It is just one of the many quirky holidays in February worth celebrating!
When is the Holiday?
It is celebrated on February 18th each year in honor of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the first true battery.
It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the impact of batteries in our daily lives.
Who Invented It?
It was established to celebrate the invention and impact of batteries, but the exact origins of the holiday remain unclear.
It is widely believed that the day was created by battery manufacturers and environmental organizations to promote awareness of battery recycling and innovation.
The holiday coincides with the birthday of Alessandro Volta, an Italian scientist known for inventing the first practical battery, the voltaic pile, in 1800.
His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the modern batteries we rely on today.
The History of the Holiday
Batteries have a long and fascinating history.
The earliest known example of a battery-like device is the Baghdad Battery, discovered in 1936 and believed to be over 2,000 years old.
In 1748, Benjamin Franklin coined the term “battery” to describe an array of charged glass plates.
However, it was Alessandro Volta who, in 1800, developed the first working battery, which he called the voltaic pile.
Over the following centuries, advancements in battery technology continued, leading to the development of modern lithium and alkaline batteries.
Today, National Battery Day is a time to recognize these contributions.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Alessandro Volta’s birthday, February 18, is why we celebrate it on this date.
- The first commercially available battery, the Columbia, was produced in 1896.
- Benjamin Franklin first used the term “battery” in relation to electrical storage.
- The first battery-powered watch was introduced in 1957 by the Hamilton Watch Company.
- Modern lithium batteries are rechargeable, long-lasting, and widely used in devices like smartphones and laptops.
Activities to Celebrate
- Replace old batteries in household devices.
- Try fun science experiments like the lemon battery science experiment, and the pumpkin battery experiment.
- Learn about battery recycling and set up a collection station at home.
- Explore how batteries are used in everyday life with kids through educational activities and the electric play dough is a great hands-on experiment to teach kids about circuits and conductivity.
- Share battery facts on social media to spread awareness.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
- Reliable and affordable, Amazon Basics batteries are perfect for everyday devices.
- Keep your car battery charged and ready to go with this highly-rated car battery charger.
- Save money and reduce waste with long-lasting rechargeable batteries.
Related Holidays
- National Kid Inventors’ Day (January 17)
- Pi Approximation Day (July 22)
- Skyscraper Day (September 3)
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