On This Day - January 12, 2026

National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for January 12, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.

2026

National Days on January 12, 2026

Ongoing National Weeks

These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.

Ongoing National Months

These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.

Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for January.

Historical Events on January 12

Events that occurred on January 12 throughout history

1932

Hattie W. Caraway (D-Arkansas) wins a special election that makes her the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. In November of the previous year, the Arkansas state legislature appointed Caraway to complete the term vacated by her husband Senator Thadeus Caraway's death.

1966

Batman premiered on television starring Adam West as Batman. The Caped Crusader appeared in 120 episodes that aired on ABC.

1967

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation cryogenically preserved the first person with the intention of being resuscitated in the future. Upon his death, psychology professor Dr. James H. Bedford of California achieved half his dream of being placed in cryogenic suspension. It remains to be seen whether or not he will see the other half of his dream and survive to be re-animated.

1986

Dr. Franklin R. Chang-Diaz launches into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia 7 and becomes the first Hispanic person in space. January 12th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays