593
Politics
Beginning of Suiko’s reign
The regnal beginning of Suiko’s long reign in 593, a key turning point in early Japanese state formation.
View detailsThis Day
19May
22 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1536
Science
Execution at the Tower of London
Anne Boleyn was beheaded on Tower Green after being convicted of treason, adultery, and incest, ending her three-year reign as queen consort.
View details1794
Science
Born in Dublin, Ireland
Anna Brownell Murphy was born in Dublin, Ireland, the eldest daughter of miniature painter Denis Brownell Murphy.
View details1815
Science
First intentionally excavated Greco-Roman artifact in the Holy Land
Her Ashkelon team uncovers a large headless marble statue, described as the first Greco-Roman artifact ever intentionally excavated in the Holy Land.
View details1861
Arts
Birth of Nellie Melba in Richmond, Melbourne
Helen Porter Mitchell, later known as Dame Nellie Melba, was born in Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
View details1879
Politics
Birth of Nancy Witcher Langhorne (Nancy Astor)
Nancy Witcher Langhorne (later Viscountess Nancy Astor) was born in Danville, Virginia, United States.
View details1893
Science
Honored at the World's Columbian Exposition as First Woman Lawyer
At the Chicago World's Fair, Mansfield was recognized as the first woman lawyer in the U.S. and became a charter member of the National League of Women Lawyers.
View details1904
Science
First woman to read a paper before the Royal Society
Hertha Ayrton read "The Origin and Growth of Ripple Marks" to the Royal Society.
View details1917
Science
Death in Washington, D.C.
Died in Washington, D.C. at age 86; buried in Congressional Cemetery.
View details1921
Science
Birth of Yuri Kochiyama in San Pedro, California
Mary Yuriko Nakahara was born in San Pedro, California, to Japanese immigrant parents, later becoming one of the most influential Asian American civil rights activists in U.S. history.
View details1927
Literature
Marriage to Herbert Sheen
Zora Neale Hurston marries Herbert Sheen during surreal fieldwork phase in Florida.
View details1930
1932
Aviation
Death of Opal Kunz
Opal Kunz died on May 19, 1957 (date approximate), having devoted her later years to advocacy for women pilots and the WASP program.
View details1941
Arts
Birth of Nora Ephron in New York City
Nora Ephron was born in New York City, beginning a significant literary and cinematic legacy.
View details1951
1952
Literature
National Book Award for Nonfiction for "The Sea Around Us"
Carson's "The Sea Around Us" received the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
View details1957
1962
Arts
“Happy Birthday” performance for President Kennedy
Marilyn Monroe sings “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at a Madison Square Garden gala in New York City.
View details2007
Arts
Death of Mary Scheier in Green Valley, Arizona
Mary Scheier, celebrated American studio ceramicist, died on May 19, 2007, in Green Valley, Arizona, at age 98.
View details2012
Exploration
Summited Mount Everest
Vanessa O'Brien summited Mount Everest on May 19, 2012, marking a significant achievement.
View details2016
Science
Receives National Medal of Science from President Obama
President Obama awards the National Medal of Science to Shirley Ann Jackson at a White House ceremony.
View details2021
Science
Named 2021 Webby Lifetime Achievement Award honoree
The Webby Awards announced Dr. Gladys West as recipient of the 2021 Webby Lifetime Achievement Award for her foundational work enabling GPS.
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