History of Physical Education in the United States

First College Gymnasium Built

Jun 25, 1826

Built at Harvard University

Boston is first city to require physical education classes

Jun 25, 1853

California becomes the first state to mandate Physical Education classes.

Jun 25, 1866

American Association for the advancement of physical education founded

Jun 25, 1885

Creation of AAHPERD

Jun 25, 1885

American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance is founded.

School of Health, Physical Education, Recreation established University of Indiana

Jun 25, 1946

The President's Council on Youth Fitness is created

Jun 25, 1956

Presidential Physical Fitness Award is created

Jun 25, 1966

President Lyndon B. Johnson created the Presidential Physical Fitness Award

PL 90-170 is enated, paving way for adaptive physical education

Jun 25, 1967

PL 90-170 is a law passed by Congress in 1967 providing funds for adaptive physical education.

Title IX is enacted

Jun 25, 1972

Title IX required equal treatment of males and females in physical education.

PE Central Created

Jun 25, 1996

PE Central is an online database that Physical Educators contribute to to encourage free exchange of ideas.

No Child Left Behind

Jun 25, 2001

No Child Left Behind is passed and actually diverts funds from Physical Education programs.