Grandparents Day Timeline

1979

It Becomes a Holiday

Jimmy Carter officially makes National Grandparents Day a holiday.

1978

Adopt A Senior Initiative

Marian McQuade was known for her activism with seniors. Her biggest initiative was Adopt a Grandparent, not just for a day but for a lifetime.

1969

A small request

Nine-year-old Russell Capper wrote a letter to the president asking if he could create a Grandparents' Day

1956

Marian McQuade

Her activism with seniors is what launches the initiative to start National Grandparents Day.