Celebrated on 03/16/2026
National Freedom of Information Day is celebrated on March 16, the birthday of James Madison, the father of the U.S. Constitution and a strong advocate for open government. The day was first officially observed in 2006, but its roots trace back to the efforts of the American Library Association and other transparency advocates. Interestingly, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which the holiday honors, was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 4, 1966, despite his initial reluctance.
National Freedom of Information Day was established to promote transparency and open government, commemorating the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 1966. The holiday was first officially observed in 2006, thanks to the efforts of the American Library Association (ALA) and other advocacy groups. The date, March 16, was chosen to honor James Madison, the fourth U.S. President and a key architect of the Constitution, who famously wrote, "A popular government, without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy."
Over the years, National Freedom of Information Day has grown from a niche observance into a broader celebration of government transparency. Libraries, schools, and civic organizations now host events, workshops, and seminars on FOIA requests, open records laws, and the importance of public access to information. In the digital age, the holiday has also embraced online tools, with many organizations using social media campaigns to highlight the value of transparent governance. Today, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for open government, especially in an era of increasing data collection and surveillance.
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