1429
This Day
08May
17 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1794
Science
Widowhood following execution of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier
Widowhood after Antoine Lavoisier's execution, preserving his legacy.
View details1870
Science
Grandson William Canby first publicly presents the Betsy Ross flag story
At the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, William J. Canby first publicly told the family story that Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first U.S. flag in 1776.
View details1891
Literature
Death of Helena Blavatsky
Helena Blavatsky died on May 8, 1891, in London, England.
View details1894
Science
Window frame and sash patented
US Patent 519,333 for a window frame and sash design, co-patented with Albert B. Harrington.
View details1910
Arts
Birth of Mary Lou Williams
Mary Lou Williams was born on May 8, 1910, in Atlanta, Georgia.
View details1914
Politics
U.S. Congress and President Wilson establish Mother's Day as a national holiday
On May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution of Congress designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day nationally.
View details1932
Literature
Birth of Julieta Campos
Julieta Campos was born in Havana, Cuba, on May 8, 1932.
View details1935
Aviation
First nonstop solo flight Mexico City to Newark
Completed the first nonstop solo flight from Mexico City to Newark, New Jersey, greeted by enormous crowds on arrival.
View details1944
1946
Activism
Destruction of Soviet War Monument
On May 8, 1946, Aili Jõgi destroyed a Soviet war monument in Tallinn.
View details1972
Science
Death of Beatrice "Trixie" Worsley in Toronto
Beatrice Worsley died suddenly on May 8, 1972, in Toronto at age 50, cutting short the career of Canada's pioneering computer scientist.
View details1984
Science
Death of Lila Acheson Wallace
Lila Acheson Wallace died at age 94 at her home in Mount Kisco, New York, following a heart attack.
View details1988
Activism
Madre del mundo featured at Nevada Test Site protest
Gómez's sculpture was used at a Mother’s Day protest, becoming iconic in activism.
View details1990
Activism
Congressional Tribute for community service
Congressional Tribute recognized Dorothy M. Tyler's community service in 1990.
View details1994
Literature
Walter Hasenclever Prize from the City of Aachen
Awarded the Walter Hasenclever Prize of the City of Aachen.
View details2013
Politics
Address to a Joint Meeting of the U.S. Congress
Delivered an address to the U.S. Congress during a state visit to Washington, D.C.
View details