1814
Science
Publication of 'Mansfield Park'
On 9 May 1814, Austen's third novel, 'Mansfield Park,' was published, becoming her best-selling work during her lifetime.
View detailsThis Day
09May
33 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1839
Arts
Operatic Debut in London as Desdemona
Pauline García made her professional operatic stage debut in London in Rossini's Otello, launching her international singing career at age 17.
View details1851
Arts
Final New York concert of American tour
Jenny Lind gave her last American concert in New York, concluding the Barnum-promoted phase of her celebrated U.S. tour.
View details1866
1874
Arts
Birth of Lilian Mary Baylis
Lilian Mary Baylis was born on May 9, 1874, in London, England.
View details1899
Arts
Stage premiere of Hamlet at her own theater
Sarah premiered as Hamlet at Théâtre Sarah-Bernhardt on May 9, 1899.
View details1914
Politics
Inherits Postum Cereal Company
Following her father's death, Marjorie assumes control of Postum Cereal Company, becoming a leading woman business executive.
View details1917
1921
Activism
Birth of Sophie Scholl
Birth of Sophie Scholl in Forchtenberg, Württemberg, the future White Rose resistance member and symbol of civil courage.
View details1921
Science
Birth of Sophie Scholl in Forchtenberg, Germany
Sophie Magdalena Scholl was born in Forchtenberg am Kocher, Germany, the fourth of six children of Robert and Magdalene Scholl.
View details1921
Literature
Birth of Mona Van Duyn in Waterloo, Iowa
Mona Jane Van Duyn is born in Waterloo, Iowa, on May 9, 1921, beginning the life of a future Pulitzer Prize–winning poet and first woman U.S. Poet Laureate.
View details1932
Politics
First woman to preside over the Senate (unofficially)
Hattie Caraway unofficially presided over the Senate on May 9, 1932.
View details1940
Politics
First woman to stand in for the Senate floor leader
Hattie Caraway served as acting Senate floor leader.
View details1942
Activism
Sophie Scholl enrolls at the University of Munich and joins the White Rose
Sophie enrolled at the University of Munich to study biology and philosophy, joining her brother Hans in the White Rose resistance group.
View details1955
1960
Science
FDA approves Enovid, the first oral contraceptive pill
The FDA approved Enovid on May 9, 1960, as the first birth control pill—research Sanger had funded and championed for years.
View details1962
Politics
Elected Chairman of Hawaii County Council
Helene Hale became the first black woman to serve as a mayor in Hawaii.
View details1968
Science
Death of Mercedes de Acosta in New York City
Mercedes de Acosta died on May 9, 1968, in New York City after a long illness, having outlived much of her fame and fortune.
View details1985
Politics
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Reagan presented Kirkpatrick with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for her diplomatic service.
View details1991
Sports
Birth in Peć/Peja
Majlinda Kelmendi is born in Peć (Peja), then part of SFR Yugoslavia, in present-day Kosovo.
View details1993
Literature
Death of Penelope Gilliatt
Penelope Gilliatt died on May 9, 1993, in London at age 61, following struggles with alcoholism in her final years.
View details1993
Exploration
Death of Freya Stark
Freya Stark passed away on May 9, 1993, in Asolo, Italy, aged 100.
View details1995
Science
Named first woman and first African American Chairman of the U.S. NRC
Shirley Ann Jackson was appointed the first woman and African American chair of the NRC.
View details1995
Activism
Honorary doctorate awarded by St. John's University
Irene Morgan Kirkaldy received an honorary doctorate from St. John's University for her pioneering civil rights role in Morgan v. Virginia.
View details1999
Arts
Death of Shirley Dinsdale
Shirley Dinsdale died in Stony Brook, New York, United States.
View details2010
2014
Activism
Google Doodle honor
Google Germany marked Sophie Scholl’s 93rd birthday with a commemorative Google Doodle.
View details2017
Exploration
Publicly recognized as Britain's first female WWII special agent
Press coverage on this date highlighted renewed recognition of Krystyna Skarbek as Britain's first female special agent of WWII and its longest-serving agent.
View details2018
Politics
Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Haspel nomination
The Senate held a hearing on Gina Haspel's nomination as CIA Director.
View details2018
Science
Grant of European patent EP3112467B1
European Patent EP3112467B1, naming Karikó as inventor, was granted by the EPO for further mRNA innovations.
View details2021
Activism
Goethe-Institut commemoration
The Goethe-Institut marked Sophie Scholl’s birth anniversary and highlighted her as a major figure of anti-Nazi resistance.
View details2021
Activism
Centenary commemorations of birth
Germany and international media marked the 100th anniversary of Sophie Scholl’s birth with major commemorations.
View details2024
Science
AWI Schweitzer Medal Awarded
Temple Grandin received the AWI Schweitzer Medal for pioneering farm animal welfare work.
View details