1751
Literature
Judith Sargent Murray's Birthday
Birth of Judith Sargent Murray in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
View detailsThis Day
01May
89 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1788
Politics
Patron-president of the Maternity Society
Became patron-president of the Société de charité maternelle in Paris.
View details1831
Medicine
Birth of Emily Stowe
Emily Stowe, pioneering physician and activist, was born on May 1, 1831.
View details1843
Science
Marriage to Horace Mann
Mary Peabody married education reformer Horace Mann, becoming a lifelong partner in his educational reform work.
View details1845
Arts
Third-class medal at the Paris Salon
Received a third-class medal in 1845 at the Paris Salon for her animal paintings.
View details1848
Arts
Gold medal at the Salon of 1848
Won a first-class (gold) medal at the Salon for her work in 1848.
View details1849
Arts
Exhibition of "Ploughing in the Nivernais"
Exhibited "Ploughing in the Nivernais" at the Salon of 1849.
View details1852
Exploration
Birth of Martha Jane Canary in Princeton, Missouri
Martha Jane Canary, later known as Calamity Jane, was born in Princeton, Missouri, on May 1, 1852.
View details1853
Arts
Debut of "The Horse Fair" at the Paris Salon
"The Horse Fair" debuted at the Paris Salon in 1853 to great acclaim.
View details1855
Arts
Birth of Cecilia Beaux
Cecilia Beaux was born on May 1, 1855, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
View details1855
Activism
Marriage to Henry Browne Blackwell and retaining her own name
Lucy Stone marries Henry Browne Blackwell, retaining her maiden name.
View details1864
Activism
Birth of Anna Jarvis in Webster, West Virginia
Anna Maria Jarvis was born on May 1, 1864, in Webster, West Virginia, later becoming the founder of the American Mother's Day holiday.
View details1868
Arts
First acceptance in the Paris Salon
First exhibition at Paris Salon in 1868, marking Cassatt as one of the first American women at the Salon.
View details1870
Science
Awarded the Flora Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society
By spring 1870, Ormerod's work on insects damaging hops and fruit trees earned her the Royal Horticultural Society's Flora Medal.
View details1875
Science
Defeats sharpshooter Frank Butler in shooting match
At about age 15, Annie Oakley defeated champion marksman Frank Butler in a Cincinnati-area shooting match, hitting 25 for 25.
View details1876
Politics
Proclaimed Empress of India
Victoria proclaimed Empress of India under Royal Titles Act.
View details1877
Medicine
Licensed by the Irish College of Physicians
Jex-Blake obtained her medical licence from the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland, enabling her to practise legally in Britain.
View details1889
Science
Performs at Paris Exposition Universelle
Annie Oakley began performing with Buffalo Bill's Wild West at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle.
View details1891
Arts
First woman bicycle owner in Buffalo
First woman to own a bicycle in Buffalo, New York.
View details1893
Science
Exhibition of sewing machines at World's Columbian Exposition
Tracy exhibited her lock-stitch and chain-stitch sewing machines, including her high-capacity bobbin model, in the Liberal Arts Building.
View details1893
Arts
Works exhibited at 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition
Exposition of Lewis's works at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago.
View details1893
Science
First daily-use installation of Tracy Gravity Safety Elevator at World's Columbian Exposition
Tracy's Gravity Safety Elevator was installed and put into daily public use in the Woman's Building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
View details1898
Science
Begins service as U.S. Army contract nurse in Spanish–American War
Clara Maass reported for duty as a U.S. Army contract nurse on May 1, 1898, following the outbreak of the Spanish–American War.
View details1901
Science
Second experimental mosquito bite
Maass underwent a second deliberate mosquito-bite exposure in May 1901 as part of ongoing yellow fever immunity research.
View details1905
Activism
May Day 1905 Warsaw mass strike
On May 1, 1905, Luxemburg described the Warsaw mass strike, vital to her mass strike theory.
View details1907
Arts
Birth of Kate Smith
Kathryn Elizabeth "Kate" Smith was born in Greenville, Virginia, later becoming one of America's most beloved singers.
View details1908
Exploration
Birth of Krystyna Skarbek in Warsaw
Maria Krystyna Janina Skarbek was born in Warsaw, then part of the Russian Empire, to Count Jerzy Skarbek and Stefania Goldfeder.
View details1910
Exploration
Cross-country automobile drive begins
Scott and Gertrude Buffington Phillips depart New York on an Overland car drive to San Francisco.
View details1912
Activism
First woman police officer in Denver and first policewoman in Colorado
Becomes Denver’s first woman police officer and the first policewoman in Colorado, blending policing with social work.
View details1913
Literature
Publication of 'The Hunt for the Money Trust'
Tarbell published an essay investigating concentrated financial power, continuing her career-long campaign against economic monopoly.
View details1915
Literature
Debut in Poetry Magazine
Made her first appearance in Poetry magazine in May 1915.
View details1916
Arts
First exhibition at Gallery 291
Stieglitz exhibits O’Keeffe’s drawings at Gallery 291.
View details1916
Arts
Born in Houston, Texas
Lydia Mendoza was born in Houston, Texas, marking the start of her journey towards becoming a Tejano music icon.
View details1919
Science
Patent granted for collapsible hat rack
On May 27, 1919, Eldorado Jones received a U.S. patent for a collapsible hat rack, expanding her line of practical, space-saving domestic inventions.
View details1921
Literature
Wins multiple awards at Opportunity literary awards
Hurston's short story 'Spunk' and play 'Color Struck' win awards at Opportunity literary awards in NYC.
View details1923
Literature
First Woman to Win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
On May 1, 1923, Millay became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
View details1923
Science
Patent granted for airplane engine exhaust muffler
US patent issued to Eldorado Jones on May 1, 1923, for her airplane engine exhaust muffler, regarded as the first successful muffler for aircraft engines.
View details1927
Literature
Publication of 'The House Without Windows'
Barbara's first novel was published by Knopf.
View details1928
Arts
Named one of Ten Most Remarkable Women in London
Honored as one of Ten Most Remarkable Women in London.
View details1930
1931
Science
M premieres, co-written with Fritz Lang
Von Harbou co-wrote the screenplay for M (1931), a landmark early sound-era thriller about a child murderer, directed by Fritz Lang.
View details1934
Literature
Publication of first novel, 'Jonah's Gourd Vine'
Zora Neale Hurston publishes her first novel 'Jonah's Gourd Vine'.
View details1938
Activism
Mystical religious experience at Solesmes
In May 1938 Simone Weil experiences a decisive mystical encounter at the Benedictine abbey of Solesmes while reciting George Herbert’s “Love,” shaping her later Christian‑mystical philosophy.
View details1940
Arts
First woman awarded Guggenheim Fellowship for Photography
Dorothea Lange becomes the first woman to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship for Photography.
View details1943
Science
Birth of Margo MacDonald in Hamilton, Scotland
Margaret Ann MacDonald was born in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on 1 May 1943.
View details1944
Literature
Publication of "The Leaning Tower and Other Stories"
Porter's collection "The Leaning Tower and Other Stories," set largely in prewar Germany, was published by Harcourt, Brace.
View details1949
Arts
Nude calendar shoot that leads to Playboy’s first centerfold
Marilyn Monroe poses nude for Tom Kelley’s calendar photos, later used when she becomes Playboy’s first centerfold in 1953.
View details1949
Arts
Performed Madame Flora at Karamu Theatre
Zelma Watson George performed the role of Madame Flora in "The Medium" at Karamu Theatre.
View details1950
Literature
First African American to win a Pulitzer Prize (Poetry)
Brooks wins Pulitzer Prize for 'Annie Allen,' first Black poet to win.
View details1952
Science
Capture of DNA X-ray image "Photograph 51"
Franklin captures "Photograph 51," critical for identifying DNA's structure.
View details1952
Science
Earns PhD in Mathematics/Computer Science from Cambridge University
Worsley earned her doctorate at Cambridge, becoming recognized as the first person to earn a PhD combining numerical analysis and computer science.
View details1955
Science
Publication of FPU Report
Los Alamos published the FPU report on May 1, 1955, acknowledging Mary Tsingou.
View details1958
Literature
Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Look Homeward, Angel"
Ketti Frings won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Look Homeward, Angel" on May 1, 1958.
View details1958
Science
Competed at Empire Games swimming trials in Blackpool
English swimmer Anne Marshall competed in the Empire Games trials in Blackpool, seeking selection for the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games team.
View details1961
Literature
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee wins the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction on May 1, 1961.
View details1961
Politics
Arrival as Ambassador to Ceylon
Willis arrived in May 1961 to begin her service as Ambassador to Ceylon, one of the final major postings of her career.
View details1963
Literature
Publication of "A Bunny's Tale" in Show magazine
Steinem's undercover exposé on working conditions at the New York Playboy Club appears in Show magazine.
View details1965
Science
Award of PhD in Political Science
Elinor Ostrom received her PhD in political science from UCLA.
View details1980
Exploration
First ascent of Bhrigupanth by women-led team
Blum leads Indian and American women on the first ascent of Bhrigupanth in the Indian Himalayas.
View details1981
Aviation
Graduated from University of New Hampshire, commissioned via AFROTC
Robinson graduated UNH with a B.A. in English and was commissioned through AFROTC, beginning her Air Force career.
View details1982
Science
Release of the album "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"
The multi-platinum album further established Jett as a major force in rock music.
View details1982
Politics
First Woman President of a Federal Reserve Bank
Karen N. Horn began her term as sixth president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, becoming the first woman to lead any of the 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks.
View details1984
Arts
Release of King’s Quest I, first major animated 2.5D adventure game
Sierra On‑Line released Roberta Williams’s King’s Quest I, a groundbreaking 2.5D adventure game.
View details1985
Science
Awarded Veitch Memorial Medal
Awarded by the RHA for her work in garden conservation and historical research.
View details1986
Exploration
First Woman to Reach the North Pole by Sledge and on Foot
Ann Bancroft became the first woman to reach the North Pole, arriving on May 1, 1986, as part of the Will Steger International Polar Expedition.
View details1987
Science
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology awarded by UC Berkeley
Greider completed her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at UC Berkeley in May 1987.
View details1987
Science
Established the Saruhashi Prize for women scientists
After retirement, Saruhashi established and funded the Saruhashi Prize to recognize Japanese women researchers in the natural sciences.
View details1990
Arts
Chef residency begins at Food for Thought, Atlanta
Edna Lewis began a chef residency at Food for Thought in Atlanta, extending her influence on Southern restaurant cooking into Georgia.
View details1990
Activism
Lifetime Achievement Award from Philadelphia
Received a lifetime achievement award from the City of Philadelphia.
View details1991
Activism
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Protection Act enacted
In 1991, Florida enacted the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Protection Act, embedding her conservation principles in state law.
View details1993
Sports
Inducted into Women’s Sports Hall of Fame
In 1993, Toni Stone was inducted into the Women's Sports Hall of Fame.
View details1995
Science
USPTO American Innovator Award presented
The USPTO honored Stephanie Kwolek for her invention of Kevlar fibers.
View details1995
Literature
Honorary degree from Adam Mickiewicz University
Received an honorary degree from Adam Mickiewicz University.
View details2004
Exploration
Inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Sullivan was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame for her three shuttle missions and pioneering spacewalk achievement.
View details2004
Literature
IRA Distinguished Service Award
Blume received the Distinguished Service Award for the Advancement of Young Adult Literature from the International Reading Association.
View details2006
Science
Induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame
Posthumous induction of Martha Coston into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, honoring her pyrotechnic maritime signaling system.
View details2008
Science
U.S. House of Representatives honors Frances Allen with resolution
The U.S. House approved H. Con. Res. 95, honoring Frances Allen as a computing pioneer and the first woman to win the Turing Award.
View details2008
Exploration
Summit of Dhaulagiri
Reached the summit of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) on May 1, 2008.
View details2011
Politics
Posthumous portrait recognition at U.S. Capitol
Ferraro's portrait was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol posthumously on May 1, 2011.
View details2012
Science
Patent listing shows issue date for Inflatable Solar-Powered Light
LuminAID's patents page lists U.S. Patent No. 9,347,629 B2, 'Inflatable Solar-Powered Light,' with an issue date shown as May 1, 2012.
View details2013
Medicine
Journal of Medical Biography article on the Stoney sisters
A Journal of Medical Biography article documented the Stoney sisters' contributions to radiology.
View details2014
Science
Weizmann Women & Science Award presented to Barbara Liskov.
Barbara Liskov received this award recognizing her as an outstanding role model for women scientists.
View details2014
Arts
Foreign honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters
In May 2014, Kusama is elected a foreign honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, recognizing her international artistic achievements.
View details2016
Arts
Lucille Lortel Award for Head of Passes
Rashad received the Lucille Lortel Award for her performance in 'Head of Passes.'
View details2016
Science
Founds South Park Commons
Founded South Park Commons, fostering innovation and exploration.
View details2016
Aviation
Performs at MCAS Cherry Point as first female Blue Angels pilot
Katie performs as first female Blue Angels pilot at Cherry Point.
View details2020
Activism
USCGC Myrtle Hazard commissioned
In May 2020, the USCGC Myrtle Hazard was commissioned, named in her honor.
View details2022
Science
Assumes role as CTO of OpenAI
Mira Murati became the CTO of OpenAI, leading AI research and product development efforts starting May 2022.
View details2024
Science
Confirmed record: No. 1 hits across seven consecutive decades
Cher is documented as the only solo artist with Billboard No. 1 hits spanning seven consecutive decades.
View details