A system and method for managing calendar items in a calendar software application. The method and system preserve calendar data associated with past dates. In addition, the method and system manage modification requests associated with future dates. In response to a request to modify a calendar item, the calendar item can be selectively updated by a user if the calendar item is activated and if the calendar item is scheduled in the future. A calendar item is activated if its data has been viewed by a user. The present invention also provides an interface tool for allowing users associated with a calendar item to selectively update their calendars in response to a modification request.