National Automatic Door Day

What is National Automatic Door Day?
National Automatic Door Day, celebrated annually on March 19, honors the convenience, accessibility, and innovation of automatic doors. These modern marvels simplify daily life by providing touch-free access to buildings, promoting hygiene, and ensuring inclusivity for people with mobility challenges.

Quick Facts

When is it? March 19
Tagged as: Accessibility, Innovation, Hygiene
What’s the hashtag? #NationalAutomaticDoorDay
When was it founded? 2021
Who founded it? The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM)

History of National Automatic Door Day

The day was established in 2021 by the AAADM to celebrate the role of automatic doors in modern life. These doors have evolved from simple conveniences to essential tools for accessibility and public health. The idea of automatic doors dates back to ancient Greece, but American engineers Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt revolutionized them in 1954 with sensor-based designs. By 1960, these doors became commercially available and widely adopted.

Timeline

1st Century A.D.: Heron of Alexandria describes an early automatic door mechanism.
1931: Horace Raymond and Sheldon Roby invent an early automatic door for restaurants.
1954: Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt develop sensor-based automatic doors.
2021: AAADM establishes National Automatic Door Day.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 19	Wednesday
2026	March 19	Thursday
2027	March 19	Friday
2028	March 19	Sunday
2029	March 19	Monday
2030	March 19	Tuesday

Observed

National Automatic Door Day is observed by appreciating the convenience and innovation of automatic doors. People are encouraged to visit places with automatic doors, share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #NationalAutomaticDoorDay, and learn about the history of these technological advancements.

Fun Facts About Automatic Doors

The first commercial automatic door was installed in a Connecticut restaurant in 1931.
Nearly 99% of consumers prefer automatic doors over manual ones.
Ancient Greeks used heat-powered mechanisms to operate temple gates automatically.

Quiz

Who invented the modern sensor-based automatic door?
- (Answers: Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt)
When was National Automatic Door Day first celebrated?
- (Answers: 2021)
What is the hashtag for this day?
- (Answers: #NationalAutomaticDoorDay)

FAQs

Why is National Automatic Door Day celebrated?

To honor the role of automatic doors in improving accessibility, hygiene, and convenience in daily life.

Who can participate in this celebration?

Everyone! From architects and builders to everyday users who appreciate the ease of automatic doors.

How can I celebrate this day?

Visit buildings with automatic doors, share your experiences online using #NationalAutomaticDoorDay, or learn about their history.

Importance of National Automatic Door Day

This day highlights how technology can make public spaces more inclusive and hygienic. It reminds us of the importance of designing spaces that cater to everyone, including those with mobility challenges.