35 fun facts for May, 9

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< May, 8
May, 10 >>
Summary
May 9th marks several noteworthy events, including the founding of the University of Denver, the opening of Australia's first national park, the first Mother's Day, and the approval of the first birth control pill. From entertainment milestones to global celebrations such as Europe Day and World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, May 9th has a rich and varied history of significant occurrences.
35 Fun facts
  1. In 1864, the University of Denver, one of the largest and most renowned universities in the United States, was founded as Colorado Seminary by John Evans, a former Governor of the Colorado Territory.
  2. On May 9, 1873, the Vienna Stock Exchange crashed, marking the beginning of a global economic depression that affected countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This crisis, known as the "Panic of 1873," lasted for six years.
  3. In 1901, Australia opened its first national park, the Royal National Park. It was established to protect a large area of native bushland in the southern part of Sydney and is now the world's second oldest national park after Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
  4. On May 9, 1914, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first national Mother's Day in the United States, inaugurating a tradition that continues today. The day aims to celebrate and honor mothers and their contributions to families and society.
  5. The first Boeing 747 commercial passenger flight took place on May 9, 1969, revolutionizing air travel. The jumbo jet, nicknamed the "Queen of the Skies," remains an icon of modern transportation and one of the most successful commercial aircraft ever built.
  6. May 9th is recognized as Europe Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in 1950. The declaration set the tone for the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the predecessor of the European Union.
  7. On May 9, 1970, more than 100,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., for a massive protest against the Vietnam War. This event, known as the Cambodia Incursion Protest or the National Student Strike, was one of the largest protests in U.S. history.
  8. In 1978, the first Philippine International Jazz Festival took place in Manila. Held every year since, the festival has become a major cultural event and a global platform for jazz music and artists from around the world.
  9. On May 9, 1980, the horror film "Friday the 13th" was released, introducing the iconic character Jason Voorhees to audiences. This slasher film spawned a long-running franchise that includes 12 films, a television series, novels, and comic books.
  10. The first Gossamer Condor flight took place on May 9, 1978. The aircraft, designed by Paul MacCready, was the first successful human-powered aircraft and inspired the development of new technologies for sustainable transportation.
  11. On May 9, 1958, Alfred Hitchcock's classic film "Vertigo" was released. Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak, the movie is known for its innovative camera work and is frequently cited as one of the greatest films of all time.
  12. In 1960, on this day, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the world's first commercially produced birth control pill, Enovid-10. The pill revolutionized women's reproductive health and family planning, sparking significant social changes in the 20th century.
  13. On May 9, 1962, laser physicist Theodore Maiman was granted the world's first laser patent for his invention of the Ruby Laser. The laser has since become a crucial technological innovation that has impacted industries such as communications, medicine, and manufacturing.
  14. In 2002, the Mars Odyssey spacecraft began its mission to study and map the Martian surface. The Odyssey has provided valuable information on the Red Planet's geology, climate, and potential to support life and still operates today, making it the longest-lasting spacecraft orbiting Mars.
  15. May 9 is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This day commemorates the birth of founder Henry Dunant and is dedicated to recognizing the heroic work of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers worldwide in providing humanitarian aid and relief to those in need.
  16. On May 9, 1994, South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, was inaugurated after the country's first fully representative, multiracial election. Mandela's presidency marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of unity and democracy for South Africa.
  17. In 1955, West Germany joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on this day, strengthening the alliance and marking a significant step in the country's reintegration into the international community after World War II.
  18. On May 9, 2012, Aung San Suu Kyi was sworn in as a member of the parliament of Myanmar, effectively ending her 13-year house arrest. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate's entry into parliament marked a milestone in the country's transition towards democracy.
  19. In 1964, The Smothers Brothers made their TV debut on CBS's "The Jack Benny Program." Known for their unique style of comedy and music, the brothers became American entertainment icons, hosting their own popular television variety show in the late 1960s.
  20. On May 9, 2015, the tallest roller coaster in the world, the Skyscraper, was unveiled at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida. Standing at a whopping 570 feet, the massive roller coaster is the centerpiece of the Skyplex entertainment complex.
  21. In 1987, on this day, the first heart-lung transplant was performed at Stanford University in California. The groundbreaking procedure, performed by Dr. Bruce Reitz on a 45-year-old woman, helped advance organ transplantation and save numerous lives.
  22. On May 9, 2001, the Vatican Beatification ceremony for the first five Australian candidates for sainthood was held. The event marked the first time Australians were recognized for their significant contributions to the Catholic Church and their local communities.
  23. May 9 is celebrated as National Moscato Day in the United States. This day is dedicated to enjoying and appreciating Moscato, a sweet, aromatic, and refreshing wine made from the Muscat grape, which is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world.
  24. In 1980, on this day, the famous Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State. The eruption caused massive destruction and loss of life, becoming the deadliest volcanic event in U.S. history.
  25. On May 9, 1978, the discovery of the "Wow!" Signal from outer space was announced. The strong, narrowband radio signal remains one of the most prominent unexplained phenomena in astronomy and is considered the best candidate for an extraterrestrial communication.
  26. In 1949, Britain's Council of Europe was inaugurated, an organization aimed at promoting European unity, democracy, and the rule of law. Today, the Council consists of 47 member states, including all European countries except Belarus.
  27. May 9 is National Lost Sock Memorial Day in the United States. It’s a quirky day dedicated to recognizing the missing partner in a pair of socks and encourages people to say goodbye to mismatched socks and streamline their wardrobe.
  28. In 1950, on this day, the original Broadway production of "Guys and Dolls" closed after a successful and then-record-breaking 1,200 performances. The beloved musical comedy won numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and is frequently revived and celebrated.
  29. On May 9, 1930, Fred Astaire made his first stage appearance with his sister Adele Astaire, in "The Band Wagon." The legendary musician, dancer, actor, and choreographer went on to become one of the most influential figures in the world of entertainment.
  30. May 9 is National Shrimp Day in the United States. This seafood day is dedicated to celebrating and enjoying the culinary versatility of shrimp, which is the most popular shellfish in the country.
  31. In 2000, on this day, the Tate Modern art gallery opened in London. The iconic museum is housed in the former Bankside Power Station and is now one of the most visited and well-loved modern art museums in the world.
  32. On May 9, 1990, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Baltimore Museum of Art's new wing took place. The wing, named after Eddie and Sylvia Brown, was a significant addition to the museum and expanded its renowned collection of art.
  33. May 9 is celebrated as National Sleepover Day in the United States. This day focuses on creating quality connections and memorable moments among friends and family members by participating in sleepovers and bonding over fun nighttime activities.
  34. In 1887, Buffalo Bill's Wild West show made its first performance, captivating audiences with daring feats, trick riding, and sharpshooting. The show toured for over 30 years, becoming an important part of American cultural history and promoting the American "Wild West" worldwide.
  35. On May 9, 1961, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Newton Minow delivered his famous "vast wasteland" speech, criticizing the quality of television programming in the United States. The influential speech sparked debate and led to the development of public interest television.

Browse all the fun facts per month