National Handwriting Day is observed on, Sunday, January 23, 2022, marking the 285th anniversary of the birth of penmanship icon John Hancock.

The lost art of handwriting is one of the few ways we can uniquely express ourselves.

January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Handwriting allows us to be artists and individuals during a time when we often use computers, faxes and e-mail to communicate. Handwriting can add intimacy to a letter and reveal details about the writer’s personality. Throughout history, handwritten documents have sparked love affairs, started wars, established peace, freed slaves, created movements and declared independence.

Sincerity and individualism is expressed through the handwritten word. The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to the importance of handwriting.

Whether you’re out of practice or execute some beautiful handwriting, share a little handwritten message with friends.

Here are a few other ideas to try:

• Start a journal.
• Send a handwritten letter to a friend or family member.
• Write a short story or poem.
• Take a calligraphy class.
• Write a to-do list.
• Leave a love note for someone dear to you.
• Compliment someone with a handwritten sticky note.
• Pay with a check – if you dare.
• Leave your server a tip and a handwritten word of thanks for their service.

Work on your handwriting and use #NationalHandwritingDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY HISTORY

National Handwriting Day was established by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in 1977. Their motive is to promote the consumption of pens, pencils, and writing paper. January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Factoids

• January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
• A typical pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write about 45,000 words.
• Most ball-point pens will draw a line 4,000 to 7,500 feet long.
• In 1908 A.C. Steward developed a press that could imprint round pencils.
• The porous-point pen was introduced in 1963.
• In 1977 a new type of ballpoint that uses low-viscosity ink was introduced – the “Rollerball”.
• An unpainted pencil inserted into the soil of a potted plant can eliminate mealy bugs on plants.
• Plant growers mark their plant labels with pencil because it is one marking that won’t fade in sunlight.