1. On February 17, 1865, the Kansas State Legislature passed a bill to create the State Normal School, which later became Emporia State University. The university was established to provide teacher education and other programs related to the liberal arts and sciences.

2. In 1885, a historic blizzard named the "Great Blizzard of 1885" struck Kansas on February 17, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and extreme cold temperatures. The storm caused widespread damage to crops, livestock, and property, and resulted in several fatalities.

3. On February 17, 1924, the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team played against the Kansas City Blues at Muehlebach Field, which is now known as Kansas City Municipal Stadium. The Monarchs won the game 3-1, marking one of their significant victories during the era of Negro League Baseball.

4. In 1956, the famous jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker was honored with a tribute concert at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City on February 17, five years after his death. The concert featured many prominent musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, and Coleman Hawkins.

5. On February 17, 1978, the critically acclaimed film "Paper Moon" was released in theaters, which was partly filmed in Kansas. The movie, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starred Ryan O'Neal and his daughter Tatum O'Neal, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.