February 11 may not seem like a particularly significant date in New Hampshire history, but there are still plenty of interesting things that have happened on this day over the years. Here are five intriguing facts about February 11 in the Granite State's past:

1. The First Successful Kidney Transplant in New Hampshire Was Performed on February 11, 1973

On February 11, 1973, a team of surgeons at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center successfully performed the first kidney transplant in the state of New Hampshire. The recipient, a man in his mid-20s who had been on dialysis for four years, received the kidney from his sister. The operation was a major breakthrough at the time, and paved the way for many more successful organ transplants in the decades since.

2. NH Governor Wesley Powell Was Born on February 11, 1901

Wesley Powell, who served as the governor of New Hampshire from 1959 to 1963, was born on February 11, 1901 in Newton, Massachusetts. A Republican, Powell was known for his conservative fiscal policies and his support of the state's business community during his tenure.

3. The First Public Library in Manchester Opened on February 11, 1854

On February 11, 1854, the Manchester City Library opened its doors to the public for the first time. Located on Hanover Street, the library was originally housed in two rooms on the second floor of a building that also served as city hall. Today, the Manchester City Library is still in operation, and has expanded to include several branch locations throughout the city.

4. New Hampshire Ratified the U.S. Constitution on February 11, 1788

On February 11, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, officially making it part of the new United States of America. This was a significant moment in the history of both New Hampshire and the country as a whole, as it paved the way for the establishment of a more unified federal government.

5. The First American Insectary Was Established in New Hampshire on February 11, 1885

On February 11, 1885, a man named William Saunders established the first American insectary in Amherst, New Hampshire. An insectary is a facility designed to breed and maintain insect populations for scientific study, and this one was primarily focused on helping farmers combat pests that were damaging their crops. Saunders went on to become a leading entomologist and an important figure in the development of agricultural science in the U.S.