NATIONAL DAYHISTORY & MILITARY

National Underground America Day

National Underground America Day is a small but real reason to pause, notice, and celebrate — together if we can.

MAY14

Friday, May 14Every year on May 14

days to go

Roots: Founded in 1974 by architect Malcolm Wells
Vibe: A mix of innovation, sustainability, and curiosity.
Also on May 14: Decency Day · Buttermilk Biscuit Day · Dance Like a Chicken Day
Hashtag: #NationalUndergroundAmericaDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Underground America Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Plan ahead

National Underground America Day is observed on May 14 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Thu, May 14this year

2027Fri, May 14

2028Sun, May 14

2029Mon, May 14

2030Tue, May 14

2031Wed, May 14

2032Fri, May 14

2033Sat, May 14

2034Sun, May 14

2035Mon, May 14

2036Wed, May 14

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Fast facts

About 6,000People in North America live in some form of underground architecture

Wells is considered the father of modern earth-sheltered architecture

The story

National Underground America Day, celebrated annually on May 14, was established by architect Malcolm Wells in 1974 to honor the thousands of people who make their homes not just on Earth, but in it. Wells championed building in harmony with the landscape, believing that the Earth’s surface should be reserved for living plants rather than industrial ones.

Read the full story

Earth-sheltered homes offer natural insulation, energy efficiency, protection from extreme weather, and a reduced visual impact on the environment. Underground dwellings have existed since ancient times, from caves to modern structures, and in places like Coober Pedy, Australia, entire communities still live underground today.

People can celebrate by taking a virtual tour of underground homes, reading about sustainable architecture, watching documentaries on earth-sheltered building, or simply reflecting on how burying a building keeps it warm in winter and cool in summer.

As we celebrate this day, we are reminded that alternative architecture can bring us closer to nature. It is a call to appreciate the innovation, safety, and sustainability of homes built not just on Earth, but in it.

Did you know?

Did You Know?

Underground dwellings have existed since ancient times, from caves to modern structures.

Cultural Impact

Malcolm Wells is called the father of modern earth-sheltered architecture.

Hidden Figures

Earth-sheltered homes provide natural soundproofing and protection from extreme weather.

Global Context

May 14 was chosen in honor of Wells’ efforts to popularize underground living.

Historical Milestones

Roughly 6,000 people live in some form of underground architecture across North America.

Artistic Expressions

Total earth coverage keeps indoor temperatures remarkably stable year-round.

Educational Importance

Underground homes reduce heating and cooling costs.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesEarth-sheltered homes have been built across the United States for decades.
CACanadaInterest in underground architecture extends into Canada.
MXMexicoSustainable building ideas find audiences across Mexico.
GBUnited KingdomUnderground homes in the UK take advantage of natural insulation.
BRBrazilEarth-sheltered building attracts interest in Brazil as well.
AUAustraliaCoober Pedy, Australia, is famous for its underground homes.