Discover what happened on May 17 in history, along with notable events that shaped finance, education, and popular culture.
What Happened on May 17 in History?
Important events on this day include the founding of the New York Stock Exchange, the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling, and the opening of the first Chuck E. Cheese restaurant.
MAY 17 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1792 – The New York Stock Exchange was founded at 70 Wall Street by 24 brokers.
1846 – The saxophone was patented by Adolphe Sax.
1875 – The first Kentucky Derby took place in Louisville, KY. A horse named Aristides was the winner.
1877 – The first telephone switchboard burglar alarm was installed by Edwin T. Holmes.
1881 – Gold was discovered near Ishpeming, MI, by a Marquette chemist and geologist named Julius Ropes.
1932 – Congress changed the name “Porto Rico” to “Puerto Rico.”
1946 – President Harry Truman seized control of the nation’s railroads, delaying a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.
1954 – The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled for school integration in Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. The ruling declared that racially segregated schools were inherently unequal.
1961 – Cuban leader Fidel Castro offered to free Bay of Pigs Invasion prisoners in exchange for 500 bulldozers.
1973 – The Senate Watergate Committee began their televised hearings.
1975 – NBC TV bought the rights to show the movie “Gone With the Wind”. The one time rights cost NBC $5 million
1977 – Nolan Bushnell opened the first Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in San Jose, CA.
1985 – Bobby Ewing died on the season finale of TV’s “Dallas” on CBS. He returned the following season.
1990 – Kelsey Grammer was sentenced to 30 days in jail for DWI.
1996 – President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. Megan’s Law was named for 7-year-old Megan Kanka, who was raped and killed in 1994.
1999 – Alex Trebek received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2000 – After 10 seasons, the final episode of TV’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” aired.
2000 – The Eagles filed suit against the “Hotel California” restaurant in Dallas, TX, alleging trademark violations.
2001 – The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp based on Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip.
2005 – Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson on TV’s “The Simpsons”, was elected mayor of Northridge, CA.
2006 – The U.S. aircraft carrier Oriskany was sunk about 24 miles off Pensacola Beach. It was the first vessel sunk under a Navy program to dispose of old warships by turning them into diving attractions. It was the largest artificial reef at the time of the sinking.
2011 – The final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey” show was recorded in Chicago, IL.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MAY 17:
Ronald Wayne – 92 years old (1934) – Computer scientist, co-founded Apple Computer
Hazel R. O'Leary – 89 years old (1937) – Lawyer and politician, 7th United States Secretary of Energy
Alan Kay – 86 years old (1940) – Computer scientist and academic
David Cope – 85 years old (1941) – Composer and author
Ben Nelson – 85 years old (1941) – Lawyer and politician, 37th Governor of Nebraska
Taj Mahal – 84 years old (1942) – Blues singer-songwriter and musician
Keith – 77 years old (1949) – Pop singer
Sugar Ray Leonard – 70 years old (1956) – Boxer
Annise Parker – 70 years old (1956) – Politician
Lou DiBella – 66 years old (1960) – Boxing promoter, actor, and producer
Craig Ferguson – 64 years old (1962) – Scottish-American comedian, actor, and talk show host
Rosalind Picard – 64 years old (1962) – Computer scientist and engineer, co-founded Affectiva
Jon Koncak – 63 years old (1963) – Basketball player
Page McConnell – 63 years old (1963) – Keyboard player and songwriter
Trent Reznor – 61 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer
Luann de Lesseps – 61 years old (1965) – Singer and television personality
Danny Manning – 60 years old (1966) – Basketball player and coach
Dave Abbruzzese – 58 years old (1968) – Rock drummer and songwriter
Hubert Davis – 56 years old (1970) – Basketball player and coach
Jordan Knight – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and actor
Matt Lindland – 56 years old (1970) – Mixed martial artist, wrestler, and politician
Josh Homme – 53 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Eddie Lewis – 52 years old (1974) – International soccer player
Kandi Burruss – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress
José Guillén – 50 years old (1976) – Dominican-American baseball player
Wang Leehom – 50 years old (1976) – American-Taiwanese singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and director
John Foster – 48 years old (1978) – Baseball player and coach
Carlos Peña – 48 years old (1978) – Dominican-American baseball player
Matt Cassel – 44 years old (1982) – Football player
Tony Parker – 44 years old (1982) – French-American basketball player
Channing Frye – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player
Jeremy Sowers – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player
Derek Hough – 41 years old (1985) – Actor, singer, and dancer
Todd Redmond – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player
Matt Ryan – 41 years old (1985) – Football player
Nikki Reed – 38 years old (1988) – Actress, singer, and screenwriter
Will Clyburn – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MAY 17:
- National Mushroom Hunting Day: Celebrate National Mushroom Hunting Day by foraging wild fungi, learning safe identification, enjoying nature, and cooking delicious mushroom-inspired dishes.
- National Idaho Day: Celebrate National Idaho Day by exploring the state’s wild landscapes, rich history, pioneering innovations, and vibrant culture shaped by land and people.
- World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day: World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day raises understanding of NF, supports those affected by tumors and learning challenges, and works to reduce stigma worldwide.
- National Walnut Day: Celebrate National Walnut Day by exploring walnut history, nutrition, and fun ways to enjoy this antioxidant-rich, heart-healthy, and versatile nut.
- National Pack Rat Day: National Pack Rat Day encourages mindful decluttering, upcycling, and donating to create calmer, more organized spaces while supporting sustainability and well-being.
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: Explore the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, its origins, and ways to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
- National Cherry Cobbler Day: Celebrate National Cherry Cobbler Day by baking this classic dessert, exploring cherry traditions, and honoring a sweet treat with roots in early American history.
- World Telecommunications Day: Discover World Telecommunications Day, honoring ICT innovations, digital inclusion, and global connectivity while inspiring action to bridge the digital divide.
- International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: Honor lives lost to AIDS and support people living with HIV. Learn how this global candlelight memorial sparks remembrance, unity, awareness, and action.
- World Hypertension Day: Discover the purpose of World Hypertension Day, learn key facts about high blood pressure, and find simple steps to check, manage, and reduce hypertension.
- National Graduation Tassel Day: Celebrate National Graduation Tassel Day by honoring the tassel as a symbol of hard work, achievement, and new beginnings, from past milestones to future goals.
- World Baking Day: Celebrate World Baking Day by trying new recipes, teaching kids, or visiting a local bakery, and share sweet or savory homemade treats with loved ones.
- National Pinot Grigio Day: Celebrate National Pinot Grigio Day by exploring this crisp, versatile white wine, its rich history, food pairings, creative cocktails, and fun ways to enjoy it.
- Stepmother’s Day: Celebrate Stepmother’s Day by honoring the love, support, and guidance of stepmoms with heartfelt gestures, quality time, and meaningful appreciation.
- Ride a Unicycle Day: Discover Ride a Unicycle Day, celebrating balance, fitness, and fun on one wheel with tips, history, and ways to join the global unicycling community.
- International Child Helpline Day: When kids feel unsafe, unheard, or alone, child helplines offer a lifeline. These services connect children with real people who care and listen. Calls come from every corner of the world—some whispering fears, others crying for help. Helpline counselors respond with calm voices and trained hearts. Whether it’s bullying, abuse, mental...
- National Pinkfix Day: Money can feel like a private language, full of jargon and unspoken rules. National Pinkfix Day insists that women deserve fluency, confidence, and a seat at every financial table, whether the topic is budgeting for groceries or building a long-term investing plan. It spotlights practical steps that help women feel...
- American Craft Beer Week: Exploring diverse flavors and styles, American craft beer showcases innovation and craftsmanship, delighting enthusiasts worldwide.
- Foster Care Fortnight: Foster Care Fortnight, an annual event in the UK, typically happens in the first two weeks of May. This initiative is driven by The Fostering Network, a leading charity that promotes foster care awareness and recruitment. The event raises awareness about the growing need for foster carers and their vital...
- International Heritage Breeds Week: Support the survival of classic livestock breeds like Oberhasli goats, Wiltshire Wild Horn sheep, and Gloucester Old Spot pigs during Heritage Breeds Week.
- Bike to Work Week: Bike to Work Week is a special time celebrated each year across the United States. This event encourages people to ride their bikes to work or anywhere else they need to go as part of a larger movement to promote cycling and its benefits. How to Celebrate Bike to Work Week Embracing...
- Learning at Work Week: Learning at Work Week is a special time dedicated to boosting learning culture within the workplace. Celebrated annually, this initiative encourages all types of organizations to engage in activities that foster learning among their teams. The goal is to make learning an integral part of working life, benefiting individual growth and...
- Be Nice to Nettles Week: Be Nice to Nettles Week is a vibrant annual event that shines a spotlight on the humble nettle plant. Celebrated in mid-May, this period encourages us to appreciate the ecological and health benefits of nettles. How to Celebrate Be Nice to Nettles Week Here are five quirky and playful ways to dive...
- Tracky Dack Day: Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...
- National Salvation Army Week: Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.
- M.E. Awareness Week: M.E. Awareness Week, celebrated annually, highlights the struggles of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). The week encourages empathy for those affected and serves as a time for people to learn more about this condition. The campaign is organized by various charities, patient groups, and healthcare professionals working together to increase...
- National Public Gardens Week: National Public Gardens Week shines a spotlight on the incredible beauty and significance of public gardens. Held each year in early May, it's a week-long celebration designed to highlight the vital role these gardens play in our communities. From fragrant flower displays to serene landscapes, they offer more than just...
- I Love My State Parks Week: The United States defines up to 10,000 different areas as state parks. State parks protect more than 14 million acres of landscape, ranging from coastal beaches to forests, sandy deserts to swampland. In addition, state parks provide local residents with opportunities for recreation, access to clean and safe green spaces...
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