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On this day in history - February 17

What Happened On This Day – February 17

  • 2008 Kosovo declares its independence

    The region's secession from Serbia followed an armed conflict referred to as the Kosovo War.

  • 1992 Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer is jailed for life

    Dahmer was convicted of murdering and dismembering at least 17 young men and boys.

  • 1913 The “Armory Show” opens in New York

    The art exhibition featured works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh and marked the advent of artistic modernism in the United States.

  • 1904 “Madama Butterfly” is premiered

    Giacomo Puccini's opera, one of the world's most performed works of musical theater, was poorly received in its first performance.

  • 1863 A precursor of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is founded

    The “Committee for Relief to the Wounded” was created by a group of citizens in Geneva, Switzerland.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
February 17

  • 1981 Paris Hilton

    American model, actress, singer

  • 1963 Michael Jordan

    American basketball player, actor

  • 1949 Fred Frith

    English guitarist, composer

  • 1904 Hans Morgenthau

    German philosopher

  • 624 Wu Zetian

    Chinese empress

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
February 17

  • 1998 Ernst Jünger

    German author

  • 1986 Jiddu Krishnamurti

    Indian/American philosopher, author

  • 1982 Thelonious Monk

    American pianist, composer

  • 1856 Heinrich Heine

    German poet

  • 1673 Molière

    French playwright, actor