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22 fun facts for May, 17

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
May 17th has witnessed various significant historical events, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954 and the discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism in 1902. The day also sees celebrations such as Norwegian Constitution Day, and annual events like World Hypertension Day and World Baking Day.
22 Fun facts
  1. In 1902, Greek archaeologist Valerios Stais discovered the Antikythera Mechanism - an ancient analog computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses. The artifact dates back to the 2nd century BC and is considered the oldest known geared device.
  2. The first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 17, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. This historic event awarded films from 1927 and 1928 and was attended by 270 guests.
  3. On May 17, 1954, the historic US Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education declared racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. This was a major step towards ending racial discrimination in the US.
  4. Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated on May 17, commemorating the signing of the Norwegian constitution in 1814, which declared Norway an independent nation. The day is filled with festivities, parades, and national pride.
  5. In 1792, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was founded, making it the world's largest stock exchange by market capitalization. The NYSE is situated in Wall Street, New York City, and is a global symbol of finance.
  6. On May 17, 1875, the first Kentucky Derby was held in Louisville, Kentucky. This renowned horse race is an annual event and marks the longest running sporting event in the United States.
  7. In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were married on May 17 at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The wedding was attended by various celebrities, and the couple is now an important part of the British royal family.
  8. In 2006, Nintendo released the first game console that incorporated motion-sensing technology, the Nintendo Wii. The Wii allowed users to interact with games using physical movement, revolutionizing the video game industry.
  9. May 17, 1990, marked the decision of the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. This significant move led to greater awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
  10. On May 17, 1883, Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show debuted in Omaha, Nebraska. The famous show featured cowboys, Native Americans, and rodeo events, showcasing the American Western frontier life.
  11. In 1968, the European Space Research Organization (now the European Space Agency) launched its first satellite, ESRO-2B. The satellite was designed for scientific research and successfully completed its mission.
  12. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage. This historic decision helped pave the way for the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.
  13. On May 17, 1846, a saxophone was patented by its creator Adolphe Sax, a Belgian musician and inventor. The saxophone is now a popular instrument in various music genres, including jazz and classical.
  14. British actor and comedian Bob Mortimer was born on May 17, 1959. Known for his work with comedy partner Vic Reeves, the duo has entertained audiences for decades, including the popular show "Shooting Stars."
  15. In 2013, the asteroid 1998 QE2 made its closest approach to Earth. The asteroid, which is nearly 2 miles wide, passed Earth at a safe distance of approximately 3.6 million miles.
  16. On May 17, 1975, Elton John topped the US charts with "Island Girl." It was his third number-one single in the United States and continued his dominance in the music world.
  17. In 1963, Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers to win the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship (now WWE). Sammartino held the title for over seven years, the longest reign in the championship's history.
  18. In 1973, the US Senate began hearings on the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The investigation revealed criminal activities within the Nixon administration.
  19. May 17th is recognized as World Hypertension Day, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure and the importance of regular check-ups and living a healthy lifestyle.
  20. In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the United States Congress. Her speech highlighted the long-standing friendship between the US and the UK.
  21. On May 17, 2000, the Tate Modern museum opened in London. Set in a former power station, the museum focuses on modern and contemporary art from around the world.
  22. May 17 is celebrated as World Baking Day, encouraging people to bake homemade treats for their loved ones, unleash their creativity in the kitchen, and share their delicious creations with others.

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