The First American Woman in Space
May 19, 1983, is a significant day in American history as it marked the launch date of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. She served as a mission specialist on the STS-7 mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
The Tragic Mount Everest Expedition
May 19, 1996, is remembered as one of the deadliest days in the history of Mount Everest. In notorious weather conditions, eight climbers from various expeditions died. The event was popularized by Jon Krakauer's book "Into Thin Air" and the movie "Everest".
Birth of the Iconic Malcolm X
On May 19, 1925, Malcolm X, a crucial figure in the Civil Rights Movement, was born. His powerful speeches left an indelible mark on American history.
National Devil’s Food Cake Day
On a lighter note, May 19 is also an unofficial holiday–National Devil’s Food Cake Day. It's the perfect day to enjoy a slice of this deliciously rich chocolate cake.
Founding of the NAACP
On May 19, 1911, the articles of incorporation for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) were filed. This momentous event cemented one of the key organizations in the fight for civil rights.
Andre the Giant sets a Record
Wrestling superstar Andre the Giant set a world record on May 19, 1977, by pinning opponent Hulk Hogan in just 1:07 minutes at Madison Square Garden.
Birth of Ho Chi Minh
The leader of the Vietnamese independence movement, Ho Chi Minh, was born on May 19, 1890. He later established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and served as its president until his death in 1969.
National May Ray Day
May 19th is also recognized as National May Ray Day in the United States. It encourages people to enjoy the increasing warmth of May’s sunshine.
A Royal Wedding
The world watched in awe as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. Their modern fairy tale wedding created history in the British royal family.
Pop Music Milestone
On May 19, 1973, Stevie Wonder’s hit “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has since become one of Wonder’s signature tunes.
Queen Elizabeth’s First Royal Event
Queen Elizabeth II's first royal public engagement took place on May 19, 1939, when she was just twelve years old. She visited the Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, England.
Famous Biologist's Birthday
The famous biologist, Nancy Grace Roman - often referred as "Mother Hubble" for her work on the Hubble Space Telescope, was born on May 19, 1925.
Munich’s Stolen Paintings
On May 19, 1988, in one of the most audacious art thefts, a thief posing as a policeman stole 14 paintings from Munich’s Lenbachhaus Art Museum.
President Grant's Narrowly Escaped Assassination
On May 19, 1864, an attempt was made on the life of U.S President Ulysses S. Grant. However, a change in his plans saved him from being shot while riding his horse in Washington D.C.
If It's Not Scottish, It's Crap
Debuting on May 19, 1990, Mike Myers’ famous Saturday Night Live sketch "If it’s not Scottish, it’s crap!" has become a pop-culture phenomenon and a huge hit among the audiences.
Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper"
On May 19, 1999, after 21 years of restoration work, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” was put back on display in Milan.
National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
May 19 is recognized as National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the U.S in order to break the stigma and silence about HIV/AIDS in these communities.
British Museum's Official Opening
On May 19, 1759, the British Museum officially opened to the public, becoming the world's largest public museum.
First-American Woman Appointed a Cabinet Position
On May 19, 1933, Frances Perkins was appointed as Secretary of Labor by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, making her the first woman to hold a Cabinet position in American history.
World IBD Day
May 19 is recognized globally as World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day to raise awareness and improve life for people with these conditions. The day is marked with activities, events, and campaigns across the globe.