Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday of February, is a federal holiday that gives us an excuse to think about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all the other U.S. presidents (yes, even the ones you probably forgot about). Officially, it’s still called “Washington’s Birthday,” but over time, it has morphed into a broader celebration of presidential history.

The holiday started in the 1880s to honor Washington’s birthday (February 22). Then, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved certain holidays to Mondays to create long weekends. While renaming it “Presidents’ Day” to include Lincoln (born February 12) was debated, Congress never officially did so. But retailers ran with the name change anyway—because who doesn’t love a good sale?

Presidential Trivia to Impress Your Friends

Here’s some fun trivia you can casually drop into conversation while waiting for your coffee at On The Vine Marketplace or browsing Scarborough’s local shops:

• George Washington didn’t just lead the country; he also led in dental innovation—his famous dentures weren’t made of wood but a mix of materials like ivory and metal.
• Abraham Lincoln was a wrestling champion in his youth and only lost one match out of 300. Talk about grappling with greatness!
• Gerald Ford is the only U.S. president who worked as a park ranger before entering politics. Imagine him handing out maps at Acadia National Park!

How to Celebrate Locally

While Scarborough isn’t exactly overflowing with presidential landmarks, there are plenty of ways to make Presidents’ Day memorable:

• Scarborough Public Library: Dive into some presidential biographies or check out books on U.S. history. The library will be open on Presidents’ Day from 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Scarborough Historical Society & Museum: While not directly tied to presidents, this is a great spot to learn about local history and how Maine fits into the bigger picture of American history. Call ahead to confirm hours!
• Outdoor Adventures: Take a brisk walk at Scarborough Marsh or Ferry Beach State Park and ponder what George Washington might have thought of Maine’s coastline (spoiler: he probably would’ve loved it).

Presidents and National Parks: A Natural Connection

Did you know that Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation establishing Yellowstone as the first national park in 1872? Or that Theodore Roosevelt has more parks named after him than any other president? If you’re looking for an excuse to plan your next road trip, consider visiting one of the many parks tied to presidential history. While Maine doesn’t have any presidential parks, Acadia National Park is always worth a visit—and it’s open year-round!

Where to Grab a Bite After All That History

Feeling hungry after soaking up all this presidential knowledge? Swing by Dunstan Tap & Table for some comfort food, or grab a lobster roll from Bayley’s Lobster Pound (if they’re open). For something sweet, hit up The Holy Donut—you’ve earned it!

Store Hours Reminder for Scarborough Residents

• Scarborough Public Library: Open 10 AM – 5 PM
• On The Vine Marketplace: Regular hours (check their website for updates)
• Scarborough Town Hall: Closed for Presidents’ Day

So whether you’re diving into history books, walking along the marshes, or just taking advantage of those Presidents’ Day sales, enjoy the day off—and maybe take a moment to appreciate what our past leaders have done (or tried to do) for the country.

Sources: britannica.com, nationalparks.org
Header Image Source: Conner Baker on Unsplash