George Washington was born on 11 FEB 1731 according to the Julian calendar. When the English
adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, the date shifted forward 11 days so that today we observe
Washington's birth date on 22 FEB.
Benjamin Franklin demonstrates the electrical nature of lightning using a kite and key in a paper to the Royal Society. It is still the world's most famous scientific experiment.
He receives the Copley medal in 1753.