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Celebrations and notable events that occurred on January 19, 2026.
Events that occurred on January 19 throughout history
The United States Patent Office issues the first patent for a tin can in the U.S. to Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett.
The American Civil Liberties Union is founded. The organization grew out of the 1917 National Civil Liberties Bureau founded by Roger Nash Baldwin and Crystal Eastman. Other founding members include Helen Keller, Morris Ernst, Garfield Hays, and Jane Addams.
Frederick .M Jones receives patent No. 2,666,298 for his "Methods and Means of Defrosting a Cold Diffuser." His invention improved refrigeration units of all kinds, especially trucks transporting frozen foods. Jones was also co-founder of the Thermo-King company.
The last German-made Volkswagen Beetle leaves the production line in Emden, Germany. Volkswagen continues production of the iconic car in Mexico until 2003.
Donnie Darko starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, and Mary McDonnell premieres at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed and written by Richard Kelly, the science-fiction drama was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize.
