1. On February 8, 1693, the Massachusetts Bay Colony held a day of thanksgiving to celebrate the failure of the Quebec expedition, a failed attempt to conquer New France. This was the first official thanksgiving proclamation in the colonies.

2. February 8, 1910, marked the opening of the Hampden County Courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts. This historic building features beautiful murals and decorative details and is an important part of the city's architectural heritage.

3. The Boston Celtics, one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, played their first game on February 8, 1947. The team has won a record 17 championships and has featured some of the greatest players in basketball history, including Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce.

4. On February 8, 1973, Massachusetts became the first state to issue same-sex marriage licenses. This groundbreaking decision followed a successful legal challenge by a gay couple who had been denied a marriage license.

5. February 8, 2002, saw the opening of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams. This massive museum is one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country and has become an important cultural destination in the region.