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28 fun facts for May, 18

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 18 is marked by significant historical events and celebrations, such as International Museum Day, World Meteorological Organization's founding, and Norway's National Day. Other notable moments include Mount St. Helens eruption, Alex Honnold's record-breaking climb, and the birth of inspiring individuals like Tina Fey and Bertrand Russell.
28 Fun facts
  1. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington state, USA, killing 57 people and causing a massive landslide. It remains the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in US history.
  2. May 18 is International Museum Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of museums in society. Established by the International Council of Museums in 1977, museums around the world participate with special events and activities.
  3. May 18 marks the founding of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization in 1951. This specialized UN agency is responsible for promoting international cooperation on matters concerning Earth's atmosphere, climate, and water resources.
  4. On May 18, 2013, Alex Honnold completed the first-ever free solo climb of the Yosemite Triple Crown in California, USA. He climbed Mount Watkins, El Capitan and Half Dome, scaling over 7,000 vertical feet without ropes or safety gear.
  5. May 18 is National Send a Card to a Friend Day in the United States. This day encourages people to send a card to friends or loved ones, keeping the tradition of card sending alive in the digital age.
  6. On May 18, 1897, Bram Stoker's iconic Gothic novel, "Dracula," was published in London, England. The novel introduced the world to the immortal Count Dracula, inspiring countless adaptations, spin-offs, and books over the years.
  7. In 1912, on May 18, the first-ever Indian film, "Shree Pundalik," was released. The silent film, directed by Dadasaheb Torne, marked the beginning of Indian cinema.
  8. May 18 is the birthday of renowned American singer and actress, Tina Fey. Born in 1970, Fey is known for her work on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and various films such as Mean Girls and Sisters.
  9. On May 18, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed Emperor of the French by the French Senate, becoming Emperor Napoleon I. His reign marked significant political and military achievements until his abdication in 1814.
  10. May 18 is the birthday of acclaimed American actor Chow Yun-Fat, born in 1955. He is known for his roles in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
  11. On May 18, 1920, Pope John Paul II was born in Wadowice, Poland. He served as Pope from 1978 to 2005 and was known for his efforts to improve relations amongst all religions.
  12. May 18 has been observed as World AIDS Vaccine Day since 1998. It raises awareness about the need for an AIDS vaccine and encourages support for research, development, and future availability.
  13. On May 18, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, creating the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to improve the economic and social conditions in the Tennessee Valley region.
  14. May 18 is the National Day of Norway, celebrating the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on this day in 1814. It is marked by parades, traditional clothing, and festive gatherings across the country.
  15. On May 18, 1652, Rhode Island passed the first-ever legislation in North America to prohibit slavery. This law marked an early effort to abolish the slave trade in the United States.
  16. May 18 is the birthday of Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher, logician, and Nobel laureate born in 1872. His influential work covered a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, ethics, and politics.
  17. On May 18, 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Republican Party nomination for President of the United States, setting the stage for his eventual election and leadership during the American Civil War.
  18. May 18, 1989, marked the beginning of Operation Blessing, a humanitarian effort by entertainer Pat Boone and other volunteers, who used over 1,000 airplanes to deliver food and medical supplies to rural African communities.
  19. On May 18, 1934, the first-ever comic strip featuring Donald Duck was published in newspapers, introducing the world to the iconic Disney character.
  20. May 18 is the birthday of legendary American baseball player, Reggie Jackson. Born in 1946, Jackson earned the nickname "Mr. October" for his outstanding performances in the postseason and World Series.
  21. On May 18, 1969, NASA launched the Apollo 10 mission, a crucial dress rehearsal for the eventual Apollo 11 moon landing. The spacecraft's lunar module descended towards the moon's surface, stopping short of landing and returning to the command module.
  22. May 18 is the birthday of singer-songwriter and record producer, Jack Johnson. Born in 1975, Johnson's laid-back acoustic tunes have garnered a loyal fan base worldwide.
  23. On May 18, 1980, Ian Curtis, lead singer of the influential British post-punk band Joy Division, passed away. Curtis' contributions to the music world continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
  24. May 18 is World Baking Day, a day to celebrate the joy of baking and sharing baked goods with others. It encourages amateur and professional bakers alike to try new recipes and share their creations with friends and loved ones.
  25. On May 18, 1911, world-renowned piano manufacturer, Gustave Steinway, passed away. Born in Germany, Gustave and his family established the famous Steinway & Sons piano company in New York City, producing some of the finest pianos in the world.
  26. May 18, 1892, marked the first appearance of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker. The ballet has gone on to become a beloved holiday tradition and one of the most famous ballets in the world.
  27. On May 18, 1956, American psychologist and educator, John Dewey, passed away. Dewey's theories on progressive education and experiential learning continue to influence modern educational practices.
  28. May 18 is World Fiddle Day, celebrating the diverse fiddle traditions found around the world. On this day, fiddlers showcase their skills in concerts and performances, encouraging a greater appreciation for the instrument.

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