National Handwriting Day is celebrated on January 23 each year. It encourages people to put down their keyboards and write by hand, whether that's a letter, a journal entry or a to-do list. The day falls on the birthday of John Hancock, whose large, bold signature on the Declaration of Independence made his name a slang term for a signature.
History of National Handwriting Day
John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Massachusetts. As president of the Second Continental Congress, he was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and his signature is the largest on the document. 'Put your John Hancock here' became a common way to ask for a signature.
In 1977, the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association created National Handwriting Day to encourage people to rediscover the joy and value of writing by hand, choosing Hancock's birthday as the date.
Since then, handwriting has faced competition from typing, texting and voice input. When the Common Core standards were introduced in 2010, they didn't require cursive, and many schools stopped teaching it. In recent years, a number of states have passed laws requiring cursive instruction again, sparking debate about handwriting's place in education.
Why National Handwriting Day Matters
Handwriting is personal. A handwritten note or letter often feels more meaningful than a text or email.
Some research suggests that taking notes by hand may help people process and remember information, although findings vary.
Knowing cursive also helps people read historical documents, family letters and recipes written by previous generations.
Handwriting also creates lasting keepsakes. Letters, recipe cards and notes written by grandparents and parents are often treasured for generations, because a person's handwriting is as unique as their voice. Taking a few minutes to write a card by hand is a simple way to create something personal that someone may keep for years.
How to Celebrate National Handwriting Day
- Write a letter: send a handwritten note to a friend.
- Keep a journal: write a page by hand today.
- Practice cursive: try writing the alphabet.
- Try calligraphy: experiment with lettering styles.
- Sign with flair: practice your 'John Hancock'.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, encourage colleagues to write a thank-you card by hand, or brainstorm with pen and paper. In classrooms, students can practice cursive, write letters to pen pals or read historical documents. At home, families can write letters to grandparents, create handwritten recipe cards or start a family journal.
Fun Facts About National Handwriting Day
- John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737.
- National Handwriting Day was created in 1977.
- Hancock's signature is the largest on the Declaration of Independence.
National Handwriting Day FAQs
When is National Handwriting Day?
National Handwriting Day is celebrated on January 23 each year.
Why is Handwriting Day on January 23?
It's John Hancock's birthday; he was born in 1737.
Who created National Handwriting Day?
The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, in 1977.
Why is a signature called a John Hancock?
Because Hancock's signature is the largest on the Declaration of Independence.
Is cursive still taught in schools?
It varies; several states have passed laws requiring cursive instruction.
Does handwriting help memory?
Some studies suggest note-taking by hand may aid learning, though results vary.