1280
Science
Undefeated career as a champion wrestler
Khutulun became famous for wagering suitors horses on wrestling matches she never lost, reportedly amassing a herd of over ten thousand horses.
View detailsThis Day
01June
144 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1533
Science
Coronation as Queen of England
Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey in a lavish ceremony affirming her status as Henry VIII's queen consort.
View details1757
Science
Begins Halley’s Comet calculations
In June 1757, she began the calculations with Clairaut and Lalande that led to the celebrated prediction of Halley’s Comet’s return.
View details1762
Science
Publication of eclipse map
Her eclipse map was published in June 1762, showing the path of the 1764 annular solar eclipse.
View details1780
Arts
Becomes Marie Antoinette's Official Portraitist
Vigée Le Brun was appointed official portraitist to Queen Marie Antoinette, an association widely cited as a first for a woman court painter.
View details1818
Law
First woman to present evidence to a House of Commons committee
Fry testified before a House of Commons committee on prison conditions, becoming the first woman known to give evidence directly to Parliament.
View details1844
Science
Atkins's work confirmed to predate Talbot's Pencil of Nature
By mid-1844, Talbot's commercially produced Pencil of Nature appeared, confirming Atkins's October 1843 fascicle as the earlier photographically illustrated book.
View details1855
Science
First American woman to publish a newspaper completely run by women
McDowell became the first American woman to publish a weekly newspaper completely run by women, the Woman's Advocate, with women in every production role at equal pay.
View details1863
Science
Begins leading the Combahee River Raid
Tubman began leading Union troops up South Carolina's Combahee River, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to plan and lead a military expedition.
View details1863
Medicine
First woman in the U.S. to earn a pharmacy degree
Mary Putnam graduated as the first woman to earn a pharmacy degree in the U.S.
View details1864
Medicine
MD from Female Medical College of Pennsylvania
Mary Putnam earned her MD from the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania.
View details1865
Arts
First woman awarded the Légion d'honneur
Awarded Légion d'honneur in June 1865, first for a woman artist.
View details1868
Science
Begins work in agricultural entomology for the Royal Horticultural Society
Around mid-1868, Ormerod began assisting the Royal Horticultural Society in cataloguing insects affecting British agriculture, launching her scientific career.
View details1872
Science
Opening of the New Hospital for Women
Garrett opened the New Hospital for Women in London, the first British hospital staffed entirely by women.
View details1873
Science
Graduated in Swarthmore College's First Class
Helen Magill graduated in 1873 in Swarthmore College's inaugural class, one of five women among six graduates.
View details1876
Science
First American woman to complete Ph.D. requirements in mathematics
Ladd-Franklin completed all Ph.D. requirements in mathematics at Johns Hopkins, though the degree was withheld because she was a woman.
View details1876
Medicine
First woman to win Harvard’s Boylston Prize
First woman to win Harvard’s Boylston Prize for Medical Writing.
View details1884
Science
Appointed extraordinary professor of mathematics at Stockholm
Kovalevskaya became an extraordinary professor at Stockholm University.
View details1889
Science
First woman in modern times to hold a full, lifetime mathematics chair
Kovalevskaya received a full, lifetime mathematics chair at Stockholm University.
View details1892
Literature
Marriage to Edwin Main Post
Emily Price married Edwin Main Post on June 1, 1892.
View details1893
Science
Achieves first in Part I Mathematical Tripos
Stoney achieved a first in Part I Mathematical Tripos at Newnham College, Cambridge.
View details1899
Law
Admission to the bar and start of law practice
Stone is admitted to the bar and begins his law career.
View details1900
Arts
First Hamlet on film
Performed in the first known film adaptation of Hamlet, a first for any Hamlet performance by a woman.
View details1901
Science
Publication of concentration camp report
Hobhouse's 40-page report on camp conditions was published in June 1901, sparking public outcry and leading to the Fawcett Commission.
View details1901
Science
Third experimental mosquito bite
A third infected mosquito bite was administered to Maass in June 1901 during the continuing yellow fever trials in Havana.
View details1904
Activism
First deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
Helen Keller graduates cum laude from Radcliffe on June 1, 1904, the first deafblind person to earn a college degree.
View details1905
Arts
Anna Melvin Hague among Washington College’s first women graduates
Anna Melvin Hague graduates with the Class of 1905 as one of Washington College’s first women graduates.
View details1907
Sports
Second Wimbledon Singles Title
May Sutton won her second Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Championship in 1907, again defeating Dorothea Douglass Chambers.
View details1908
Literature
Birth of Julie Campbell Tatham
Julie Campbell Tatham was born on June 1, 1908, in Queens, New York.
View details1909
Science
First Montessori training course
Montessori conducts her first formal training course in 1909.
View details1910
1910
Science
First Industry-Wide Classification of Skin Types
Rubinstein pioneered the first systematic classification of skin types—oily, dry, and combination—shaping modern skincare practice.
View details1912
Activism
Graduation from Smith College
Graduated from Smith College, completing formal higher education.
View details1912
Science
Marriage to George Wightman
Hazel Hotchkiss married George Wightman, future president of the USLTA, continuing her tennis career after marriage.
View details1913
Politics
Publication of "The Accumulation of Capital"
Luxemburg's book on capitalist expansion published on June 1, 1913.
View details1913
Exploration
First American woman elected to Royal Geographical Society
First American woman elected to the Royal Geographical Society in June 1913.
View details1918
Arts
Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Melba was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her charitable war work and artistic achievements.
View details1919
Arts
Creation of 'Cut with the Kitchen Knife Dada Through the Beer-Belly of the Weimar Republic'
Höch created her landmark Dada photomontage, a searing critique of Weimar-era politics and gender roles.
View details1921
Politics
Marriage to Allen S. Olmsted II
Married Allen S. Olmsted II, marking a partnership in activism and civil liberties.
View details1921
Science
Completed LL.B. at Baldwin-Wallace Law School
Cline completed her LL.B. degree at Baldwin-Wallace Law School around 1921, laying the legal foundation for her federal career.
View details1921
Science
Birth of Giuliana Cavaglieri Tesoro
Giuliana Cavaglieri Tesoro was born in Venice, Italy, on June 1, 1921.
View details1921
Literature
First woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Edith Wharton won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for The Age of Innocence, the first woman to receive the award.
View details1922
Science
Publication of "Desolación", her first major poetry collection
Mistral's debut book "Desolación" was published in New York, establishing her international literary reputation.
View details1925
Sports
First woman to swim the length of New York Bay
In June 1925, Ederle became the first woman to swim the length of New York Bay, from Manhattan's Battery to Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
View details1925
Science
First Ph.D. in astronomy from Radcliffe/Harvard
First person to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy from Radcliffe/Harvard.
View details1926
Science
First American woman awarded a Ph.D. in mathematics
Johns Hopkins finally conferred a Ph.D. on Ladd-Franklin, 44 years after she completed the requirements, making her the first American woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics.
View details1926
Arts
Birth of Norma Jeane Mortenson (Marilyn Monroe)
Birth of Norma Jeane Mortenson (later Marilyn Monroe) at Los Angeles General Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
View details1927
Arts
First Black graduate of Western Michigan College
Zelma Watson George was the first Black graduate of Western Michigan College.
View details1927
Literature
Jalna wins the Atlantic Monthly novel prize
De la Roche's novel 'Jalna' won a $10,000 prize from the Atlantic Monthly Press, launching her to international literary fame.
View details1927
Law
Death of Lizzie Borden
Lizzie Borden died on June 1, 1927, in Fall River, Massachusetts, at age 66.
View details1928
Literature
First woman to earn a master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa
Benson became the first person to receive a master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa, breaking new ground for women in the field.
View details1929
Arts
Graduation from Pratt Institute (approximate date)
Approximate June 1929 graduation of Cipe Pineles from Pratt Institute, launching her professional design career.
View details1929
Arts
Move to Paris and entry into the Surrealist photographic circle
Around 1 June 1929, Lee Miller moves to Paris, joins Man Ray’s Surrealist circle, and begins transforming herself from model into avant‑garde photographer.
View details1931
Activism
Graduation from Bryn Mawr College with honors in economics
Isabel Benham graduated from Bryn Mawr College with honors in economics, on June 1, 1931.
View details1934
Science
Co-publishes seminal finding on hydrated protein crystals
With J.D. Bernal, Hodgkin showed X-ray diffraction patterns required hydrated protein crystals, a founding insight of protein crystallography.
View details1934
Activism
First female railroad analyst on Wall Street
Benham became the first female railroad analyst on Wall Street.
View details1935
Politics
Begins role with Federal Emergency Relief Administration
Craig started working with the Federal Emergency Relief Administration in 1935.
View details1935
1937
Literature
Heart attack at Pavillon Colombe
Wharton suffered a serious heart attack at her home in France, months before her death.
View details1937
Activism
Graduation from Lincoln Institute
Whitney Young graduated from Lincoln Institute, Shelby County, KY.
View details1937
Exploration
Second world-flight attempt departs Miami
Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan departed Miami heading east on the second, ultimately fatal, round-the-world flight attempt.
View details1938
Arts
Post-Vanderbilt move to NYC and career start
In 1938, Dinah Shore graduated from Vanderbilt University and moved to New York, marking the start of her professional career.
View details1938
Science
Technical director of the Mathematical Tables Project
Blanch became technical director of the Mathematical Tables Project, leading a major WPA-era human-computing operation in New York.
View details1938
Science
Earned B.A. from Howard University
Mamie Phipps earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1938, majoring in psychology and minoring in mathematics.
View details1939
Science
Earned M.A. from Howard University
Mamie Phipps Clark completed her Master's degree in psychology at Howard University in 1939.
View details1940
Arts
Introduction of Kryptonite
Dorothy Woolfolk suggested Kryptonite, altering Superman's story.
View details1940
1940
Aviation
Proposes use of women pilots as Army ferry pilots
Around June 1940 she formally proposes to the Air Corps Plans Division that experienced women pilots be used as Army ferry pilots.
View details1941
Arts
Move to Los Angeles to work as a secretary
In 1941, Helen moved to Los Angeles to work as a secretary, marking the start of her career.
View details1941
Activism
Graduation from Kentucky State College
Young graduated from Kentucky State College in 1941.
View details1942
Science
Transfer of the Mathematical Tables Project to the National Bureau of Standards
The Mathematical Tables Project moved under the National Bureau of Standards, and Blanch’s work entered the federal wartime computing system.
View details1942
Science
Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, becoming the second woman member for work on cereal rusts.
View details1943
Science
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Yale University
Tesoro earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Yale University, an extraordinary achievement for a woman in the field at the time.
View details1943
Aviation
First female gunnery officer in U.S. Navy
Susan Ahn became the first female aerial gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy.
View details1944
Aviation
First woman to fly multiple key U.S. military aircraft types
By mid‑WWII she is the first woman to fly the B‑25, P‑51, and C‑54 and among the first two women checked out in the B‑17.
View details1945
Science
First complete X-ray structure of a complex organic molecule: cholesteryl iodide
Hodgkin published the first full molecular structure of a steroid, cholesteryl iodide, solved entirely by X-ray crystallography.
View details1945
Science
PhD in nuclear physics from the University of Illinois
Approximate June 1945 completion of Yalow’s PhD in nuclear physics at the University of Illinois, where she became only the second woman to earn a physics doctorate.
View details1945
Science
Selected as one of the first six ENIAC programmers
Kay McNulty was chosen as one of the first six programmers of ENIAC, the world's first general-purpose electronic digital computer.
View details1945
Science
Named Dean of the Atlanta University School of Library Service
Jones became dean of the Atlanta University School of Library Service, a pivotal position she held for over three decades, shaping generations of Black librarians.
View details1947
Activism
Master’s Degree from University of Minnesota
Whitney Young earned his Master’s in social work in 1947.
View details1947
Science
First bikini photograph published in Harper's Bazaar
Vreeland oversees the June 1947 Harper's Bazaar issue featuring what the magazine later calls its first published photograph of a woman in a bikini.
View details1947
Arts
Death of Anna Hofman-Uddgren
Anna Hofman-Uddgren passed away on June 1, 1947, in Stockholm, Sweden.
View details1950
Science
Delivered the "Declaration of Conscience" speech against McCarthyism
Smith became the first senator to publicly denounce Joseph McCarthy's tactics, delivering her famed Declaration of Conscience on the Senate floor.
View details1950
Arts
First Black woman to earn an architecture degree from Columbia University
Graduated from Columbia University in 1950, becoming the first Black woman to earn an architecture degree there (date approximate).
View details1950
Science
Graduated from Columbia University's School of Architecture
Sklarek earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Columbia University in 1950, one of very few Black women in her program.
View details1952
Literature
First English publication of Anne Frank’s diary
Anne Frank's diary was published in English as 'The Diary of a Young Girl' in the United States.
View details1952
Science
First woman to graduate from Gustavus Adolphus with B.S. in chemistry and mathematics
Graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.S. in chemistry and mathematics, breaking a gender barrier.
View details1953
Science
Publication on lambda (λ) bacteriophage in Genetics
Lederberg detailed lambda phage's lysogenic properties in Genetics.
View details1954
Arts
Earned Ph.D. for "A Guide to Negro Music"
Zelma Watson George earned her Ph.D. with "A Guide to Negro Music."
View details1959
Law
Graduated from Fisk University
O'Leary graduated from Fisk University, a historically Black institution, with a bachelor's degree, laying the foundation for her legal and public service career.
View details1959
Literature
Publication of early poetry establishing literary reputation
Gotlieb began publishing poetry in Canadian literary magazines, establishing her reputation as a serious poet before turning to speculative fiction.
View details1961
Arts
"Dockside Packages" debuts in Cologne
Christo and Jeanne-Claude realized 'Dockside Packages' in Cologne, an early collaborative environmental artwork and their first major public piece together.
View details1962
Activism
Thomas Edgar Morris becomes first Black graduate of Washington College
Thomas Edgar Morris graduates as Washington College’s first Black graduate, a landmark in the college’s desegregation.
View details1964
Science
Publication of Handbook of Mathematical Functions
The influential Handbook of Mathematical Functions was published, co-edited by Stegun.
View details1964
Activism
Patricia Godbolt White among first African Americans to integrate Washington College
Patricia Godbolt White graduates among the first African Americans to integrate Washington College, expanding Black presence on campus.
View details1964
Activism
First female partner at a Wall Street bond house
Became the first female partner at a Wall Street bond house.
View details1965
Law
Becomes First African American to Earn a J.S.D. from Yale Law School
Pauli Murray became the first African American to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degree from Yale Law School in 1965.
View details1965
Activism
Monument erected in South Killingly in her honor
Monument in South Killingly honors Kies as first U.S. female patent holder.
View details1966
Law
Earned law degree from Rutgers University School of Law
O'Leary received her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, enabling her subsequent legal and regulatory career.
View details1966
Arts
First outdoor installation "Narcissus Garden" at the Venice Biennale
In June 1966, Kusama stages "Narcissus Garden" as an unauthorized outdoor installation at the Venice Biennale, using 1,500 mirrored balls on the lawn.
View details1967
Sports
First female member of Hillcrest Country Club
Dinah Shore was the first female member of Hillcrest Country Club, breaking gender barriers in golf.
View details1968
Activism
Death of Helen Keller at Arcan Ridge
Helen Keller dies at Arcan Ridge in Easton, Connecticut, on June 1, 1968.
View details1968
Literature
Named Film Critic for The New Yorker
In 1968, Pauline Kael became the staff film critic for The New Yorker, a position from which she would redefine American film criticism for over two decades.
View details1970
Arts
Graduation from Tyler School of Art
Graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia.
View details1970
Arts
Joins repertory production of Hair
Armatrading joins a Birmingham repertory production of the musical Hair, leading to her partnership with lyricist Pam Nestor.
View details1970
Activism
First rail analyst to propose the 'open access' concept
Proposed the 'open access' business model in 1970s.
View details1972
Arts
Release of live gospel album 'Amazing Grace'
'Amazing Grace' is released, becoming one of the best-selling gospel albums of all time.
View details1972
Science
First Female Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy
On June 1, 1972, Alene Duerk became the first woman to be promoted to Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy.
View details1973
1974
Sports
Women's course record in 22-mile Gulf of Naples race
Nyad set a women's course record of 8 hours 11 minutes in a 22-mile race in the Gulf of Naples, Italy.
View details1976
Arts
Appointment as Officer of the Order of Australia
Named Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to visual arts.
View details1982
Law
First woman and Black woman Chief Judge for SDNY
Motley became Chief Judge of the Southern District of New York.
View details1983
Science
Completion of B.A. in Biology at UC Santa Barbara
Carol Greider received her B.A. in Biology from UC Santa Barbara in June 1983.
View details1983
Science
Death of Anna Seghers in East Berlin
Anna Seghers died on June 1, 1983, in East Berlin at age 82, having become one of East Germany's most honored writers.
View details1983
Science
Elected to the National Academy of Sciences (1983)
Margulis was elected a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1983, a top honor recognizing her contributions to evolutionary biology.
View details1984
Politics
Initiates Operation Blue Star
Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple.
View details1985
Sports
Final IPF Women's World Powerlifting Championship victory in six-year streak
Bev Francis recorded a 565.0 kg total to win her sixth consecutive Women's World Powerlifting Championship, capping her 1980-1985 title streak.
View details1987
Exploration
First African American Woman Selected for NASA Astronaut Program
In June 1987, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman selected into NASA's astronaut training program.
View details1988
1988
Science
Move to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (contextual timing)
Contextual move to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as an independent fellow in mid-1988; day is approximate.
View details1992
Arts
Chef-in-residence at Quilted Giraffe, New York City
Lewis served as chef-in-residence at the acclaimed Quilted Giraffe, shaping contemporary interpretations of Southern and farm-to-table cooking.
View details1995
Science
Founding of Girl Tech
Founded Girl Tech to develop technology-focused products aimed at girls.
View details1995
Science
Posthumous induction into the ITA Hall of Fame
Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman was posthumously inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame, honoring her collegiate and broader tennis legacy.
View details1996
Arts
First African American model on the cover of the Victoria’s Secret catalog
Banks became the first Black model on the Victoria's Secret catalog cover.
View details1998
Science
Patent for electric stunning system for livestock
Temple Grandin’s U.S. patent for an electric stunning system was issued, formalizing her humane slaughter innovation.
View details2003
Science
Rhythm & Blues Foundation lifetime achievement award and Top Face of Black History honor
Warwick received a lifetime achievement award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and was named a 2003 Top Face of Black History.
View details2005
Science
Marc Leepson's 'Flag: An American Biography' reaffirms scholarly skepticism of the Ross legend
Historian Marc Leepson's 2005 book reiterated that no credible documentary evidence supports the claim Betsy Ross made the first American flag.
View details2005
Science
First female UW Nobel laureate honored with Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award
University of Washington honors Linda B. Buck with its Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award as the first female UW Nobel laureate.
View details2006
Arts
Named Officer of the French Order of Arts and Letters
In June 2006, Kusama is named an Officer of the French Order of Arts and Letters, honoring her contributions to global contemporary art.
View details2006
Science
USENIX Lifetime Achievement Award
Perlman received the USENIX Flame Award for her contributions to network protocols.
View details2010
Science
First provisional patent filed for inflatable solar light concept
Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta filed their first provisional patent for a solar circuit integrated into an inflatable shape, the seed of LuminAID.
View details2012
Exploration
Start of sea-kayak expedition from Seattle to Juneau
Started a sea-kayak expedition from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska.
View details2013
Science
Awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale
In 2013, Lassnig became one of the first women to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale, at age 94.
View details2016
Arts
First female music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Zhang became the first woman to hold the post of music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
View details2016
Aviation
Command U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples
Howard became the first woman four-star admiral to command these forces on June 1, 2016.
View details2017
Arts
First person to reach 100 million Twitter followers
In June 2017, Perry became the first person ever to surpass 100 million followers on Twitter.
View details2017
Arts
First artist with three RIAA Diamond Song Awards
Perry's "Firework" earned her third RIAA Diamond Song Award, making her the first artist with three such awards.
View details2018
Activism
Cause for canonization opened; declared "Servant of God"
The Diocese of Jackson opened Sister Thea Bowman's cause for canonization, declaring her a "Servant of God".
View details2019
Science
Joined Caltech faculty
Bouman joined Caltech as an assistant professor, continuing her work in computational imaging following the black-hole image breakthrough.
View details2020
Arts
Retrospective article revisits Decoy as TV's first female cop show
A June 2020 retrospective described Decoy and Beverly Garland's role as television's first female cop, calling it a first-of-its-kind series.
View details2021
Arts
Cult TV Lounge review reiterates Decoy's status as first American cop series with a woman lead
A June 2021 review reaffirmed Decoy as the first American cop series with a woman lead, praising its historical interest and NYC location work.
View details2021
Arts
Designation of Corita Kent’s former studio as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument 1215
Corita Kent's former studio was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
View details2022
Science
Death of Alice Schwartz
Alice Schwartz passed away at the age of 95 on June 1, 2022.
View details2023
Activism
Retirement from competitive swimming
Announced retirement from competitive swimming in 2023.
View details