March 19

National Automatic Door Day

A fun observance on March 19 celebrating the convenience, accessibility, and health benefits of automatic doors in public buildings.

Yearly Date

March 19

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the convenience and accessibility of automatic doors on March 19 for National Automatic Door Day! This day is all about recognizing the amazing technology that allows us to enter and exit buildings with ease, without having to manually push or pull a door. Did you know that automatic doors were first invented in ancient Greece, but didn't become popular until the mid-20th century? Today, they are a common feature in many public places and have greatly improved our daily lives. So let's take a moment to appreciate this simple yet revolutionary invention on National Automatic Door Day!

National Automatic Door Day Timeline

1st Century AD

Earliest Automatic Door

Historians believe that as early as the 1st century AD, a Greek engineer, Heron of Alexandria, crafted water-powered automatic door mechanisms for temples, marking the invention of the automatic door.

1931

First Patented Automatic Door

Horace H. Raymond and Sheldon S. Roby from the U.S. received a patent for an automatic door mechanism, which was intended for use on transit vehicles.

1954

First Commercial Automatic Door

Lew Hewitt and Dee Horton invent the first commercial automatic sliding doors, revolutionizing access to buildings and contributing to the era's architectural advancements.

1960

Introduction of Motion Sensors

Automatic doors get an upgrade with the introduction of motion detection sensors, making doors more responsive and safe to use.

1985

ADA Accessibility Requirements

The adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act made it a requirement for public buildings to be equipped with automatic doors, leading to widespread installation and usage.

2019

National Automatic Door Day

National Automatic Door Day is established, allowing everyone to appreciate the history and convenience automatic doors have brought to everyday life.

How to Celebrate National Automatic Door Day

1 Take a tour of automatic doors

Visit your local mall, office building, or hospital and take a tour of all the different types of automatic doors. You'll be surprised at how many different designs and features are available.

2 Create a DIY automatic door

Get crafty and create your own automatic door using household materials. You can even make a mini version to use as a party prop or decoration.

3 Attend an automatic door technology workshop

Sign up for a workshop or seminar on automatic door technology to learn more about how they work and the latest advancements in the industry.

4 Have an automatic door-themed movie night

Gather some friends and watch movies that feature automatic doors, such as "Star Trek" or "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Serve snacks and drinks through your very own DIY automatic door.

5 Visit a museum exhibit on automatic doors

Check out any local museums that have exhibits on automatic door technology. You'll learn about the history and evolution of these fascinating devices.

Why We Love National Automatic Door Day

Automatic doors provide convenience

They allow us to enter and exit buildings effortlessly, without the need to manually push or pull a door. This can be especially useful when we're carrying large items or pushing strollers or shopping carts.

Automatic doors are a sign of advancement in technology

Automatic doors showcase how far we've come in technology. They were first invented in ancient Greece but only became widespread in mid-20th century. Today, they're a common sight in public places, illustrating our continuous progress in technological innovation.

Automatic doors promote accessibility

By opening and closing on their own, automatic doors provide enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities, elderly individuals, or anyone with reduced mobility. They're an important aspect of inclusive design, ensuring that public buildings are accessible to everyone.