An awareness observance on March 16 celebrating public access to government information, government transparency, and the birth of James Madison, the Father of the Constitution.
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the
Holiday Calendar Team
The U.S. Congress first designated March 16 as Freedom of Information Day in 1986 via House Joint Resolution 371, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act and James Madison's birthday. President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation, and subsequent annual designations followed.
Get ready to celebrate the power of knowledge and transparency on Freedom of Information Day on March 16! This special day was established in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to commemorate the birthday of James Madison, who is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution". It's a day that celebrates the public's right to access information from their government and promotes open communication and accountability. So let's take a moment to appreciate this important aspect of our democracy and exercise our right to seek out information. Happy Freedom of Information Day!
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WHY THIS DAY MATTERS
Freedom of Information Day also commemorates the passing of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 1966, which is a crucial piece of legislation that guarantees public access to government documents. It serves as a reminder of our constitutional right to know what our government is doing on our behalf.
Freedom of Information Day highlights the importance of transparent and open government. By giving citizens access to information, it allows for accountability and ensures that those in power are held responsible for their decisions and actions.
On this day, people are encouraged to use their right to access information about their government. This empowers citizens to be more informed and engaged in their communities, allowing them to better participate in the democratic process.
A cultural observance during the third week of March promoting government transparency, access to public records, and open government principles.
Join us in celebrating International Right To Know Day - let's raise awareness of the importance of freedom of information and access to knowledge!
On International Day for Universal Access to Information, let's empower individuals with knowledge and promote transparency in our global community.
An awareness observance on March 12 rallying support for a single, unrestricted internet accessible to all and drawing attention to government online censorship and restrictions on free speech.
