National Typewriter Day (June 23)
National Typewriter Day is celebrated on June 23 each year to honor the invention that changed how we write, work, and create.
The clack of the keys and the ding of the carriage return are more than nostalgic, they’re reminders of a time when writing was tactile, focused, and deliberate.
Whether you’re a collector or just curious, it’s a good excuse to slow down and appreciate this mechanical marvel. One of the more thoughtful weird holidays in June.
When is the Holiday?
National Typewriter Day is celebrated every year on June 23.
This marks the date in 1868 when the typewriter was patented by Christopher Latham Sholes.
Who Invented It?
The holiday’s origins are unclear, but it honors Christopher Latham Sholes, the inventor who received a patent for the typewriter on June 23, 1868.
His work, along with Carlos Glidden and Samuel W. Soule, led to the first practical model and laid the foundation for modern keyboards.
The History of the Holiday
The story goes further back than Sholes. In 1808, Pellegrino Turri designed a typing machine for his blind friend, Countess Carolina Fantoni da Fivizzano, possibly to help her write private letters.
Some versions say it was Agostino Fantoni who first built one in 1802 for his blind sister. Either way, these early efforts led to machines that would shape how the world communicated.
Sholes’ version became commercially successful as the Remington No. 1, introducing the QWERTY layout that’s still in use today.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- QWERTY Beginnings – Designed to prevent jams, not speed up typing.
- Typed First – Mark Twain is believed to be the first author to submit a typed manuscript.
- Typewriter Collectors Exist – Tom Hanks owns hundreds and still uses them.
- Typing Pool Power – The rise of typewriters led to more women entering office jobs.
- Still in Use – Some courts, writers, and artists still rely on them today.
Activities to Celebrate
- Write a Letter on a Typewriter – Mail it to someone instead of texting.
- Set Up a Typewriter Display – Showcase one at home, even if just for looks.
- Try Typewriter Poetry – Compose short poems with no backspace key.
- Host a Retro Movie Night – Watch films like All the President’s Men or Misery.
- Visit a Museum – Many local history museums feature vintage office gear.
- Do a Typing Challenge – Compete with friends on speed and accuracy (manual-only).
- Create Typewriter Art – Use repeating characters to draw simple shapes and designs.
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Links to Resources
- Typewriter Database – A detailed archive for identifying vintage typewriter models, serial numbers, and manufacturer history.
- Writing Prompts – A fun way to spark creativity, try working through a few using your typewriter for an extra challenge.
- Mechanical Keyboard – A perfect blend of retro design and modern function, this typewriter-style keyboard brings the vintage vibe to any workspace without the hassle of ribbons or jammed keys. Great for everyday use or themed events.
- Lego Typewriter – This creative LEGO set is a fun twist on a classic. It’s a mini typewriter-shaped flowerpot, perfect as a quirky desk decoration or gift for anyone who loves words, nostalgia, or just cool builds.
- Scriptor Typewriter – For those who want the real feel without going full manual, this electric model offers smooth typing and correction features. Great for letters, poetry, or getting back into the groove of analog writing.
Related Holidays
National Handwriting Day (January 23) – A reminder of the tactile satisfaction of pen on paper, just days before we celebrate the typed word.
International CAPS LOCK Day (June 28) – A playful nod to the keyboard key we all overuse—just five days after Typewriter Day.
National Macintosh Computer Day (January 24) – Marks the shift from typewriters to personal computers, closing the loop on writing tech history.
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