Stephen Foster Memorial Day is a United States Federal Observance Day that celebrates the life and musical legacy of Stephen Collins Foster, known as “the father of American music.” This day honors his contributions to American music through his timeless compositions and songwriting.
Quick Facts
When is it?: January 13th annually
Tagged as: Federal Observance Day, Musical Heritage
What’s the hashtag?: #StephenFosterDay #FatherOfAmericanMusic
When was it founded?: December 13, 1951
Who founded it?: President Harry S. Truman
History of Stephen Foster Memorial Day
The observance began through a joint Congressional resolution in 1951, leading to President Truman’s proclamation establishing January 13th as Stephen Foster Memorial Day. The date was chosen to commemorate Foster’s death in 1864. The first official celebration took place in 1952 along the Suwannee River in Florida, featuring performances of Foster’s beloved compositions.
Timeline
- 1826: Stephen Foster born on July 4th in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania
- 1847: Composed “Oh! Susanna”
- 1864: Foster passed away on January 13th
- 1951: Congressional approval of memorial day
- 1952: First official celebration
- 1967: Became a Federal Observance Day
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 13 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 13 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 13 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 13 | Saturday |
| 2030 | January 13 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
The day is celebrated through musical performances, concerts, and educational programs featuring Foster’s compositions. Many communities organize special events at Foster memorials and museums, particularly in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Florida.
Fun Facts About Stephen Foster
- He was born on Independence Day
- He wrote over 200 songs during his lifetime
- His songs “My Old Kentucky Home” and “Old Folks at Home” became official state songs
- He was America’s first professional songwriter
- Bruce Springsteen has performed Foster’s “Hard Times Come No More” as concert encores
Quiz
- When was Stephen Foster born?
- Which river did Foster make famous in his songs?
- How many bells are in the Foster Memorial carillon?
-(Answers: July 4, 1826; Suwannee River; 97 bells)
FAQs
- Where is the Stephen Foster Memorial located? University of Pittsburgh
- What was Foster’s most successful song? “Oh! Susanna”
- How old was Foster when he died? 37 years old
Related
- Independence Day
- National Music Day
- American Folk Music Day
- Kentucky State Day
- Florida Folk Festival