1. In 1800, New Hampshire became the first state to hold a presidential primary election when residents gathered in town meetings to cast their votes for their preferred presidential candidate.

2. On February 17, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Guard Mobilization Act, which authorized the federalization of the National Guard in times of national emergency. This legislation helped to prepare New Hampshire and other states for their involvement in World War II.

3. The USS New Hampshire, a Virginia-class submarine, was commissioned by the United States Navy on February 17, 2008. The submarine, which was built by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, is named in honor of the state of New Hampshire and its contributions to the military.

4. In 1954, New Hampshire Governor Hugh Gregg signed legislation establishing the University of New Hampshire as the state's flagship public university. The university has since grown to become a leading research institution, with campuses in Durham and Manchester.

5. February 17 is also celebrated as National Kindness Day, a day dedicated to promoting acts of kindness and compassion towards others. In New Hampshire, many schools and organizations participate in this annual event by organizing volunteer opportunities, fundraising drives, and other activities to promote kindness and generosity in their communities.