1128
Science
Marriage to Geoffrey of Anjou
Matilda married Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, at Le Mans, forging the Angevin alliance behind the future Plantagenet dynasty.
View detailsThis Day
17June
27 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1836
Literature
Born in Nevele, Belgium
Virginie Loveling was born on 17 June 1836 in Nevele, East Flanders, into a literary family that would produce two of Flanders' pioneering women writers.
View details1865
Medicine
Born on the Omaha Reservation, Nebraska
Susan La Flesche was born on June 17, 1865, on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska, the youngest daughter of Chief Joseph La Flesche (Iron Eye).
View details1867
Arts
Birth of Flora Finch
Flora Finch was born in London, paving the way for her future role in American cinema.
View details1869
Science
First Woman Admitted to a State Bar in the United States
Arabella Mansfield became the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States, in Iowa.
View details1903
Arts
Birth of Ruth Jones Graves Wakefield
Birth of Ruth Jones Graves (later Ruth Graves Wakefield) in East Walpole, Massachusetts, U.S.
View details1913
Activism
Speech in Budapest as Illinois grants women's suffrage
While addressing the International Alliance of Women in Budapest, Addams learned Illinois had granted women the vote, a landmark east of the Mississippi.
View details1915
Arts
Birth of Regina Ghazaryan
Regina Ghazaryan was born on this day, marking the beginning of the life of a major figure in Armenian art.
View details1923
Science
Marriage to Linus Pauling
Ava Helen Miller married chemistry student Linus Pauling on June 17, 1923, beginning a lifelong partnership in science and activism.
View details1928
Aviation
First woman to cross the Atlantic by air
As a passenger aboard the Friendship, became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by airplane, landing in Wales after 20 hours 40 minutes.
View details1957
Literature
Death of Dorothy Richardson
Dorothy Richardson passed away on June 17, 1957, in Beckenham, Kent.
View details1963
Law
Supreme Court rules in Murray v. Curlett, ending mandatory school prayer
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Murray v. Curlett, consolidated with Abington v. Schempp, that mandatory Bible reading/prayer in public schools was unconstitutional.
View details1972
Politics
Nominated as Libertarian VP candidate
Nominated as the Libertarian Party's vice-presidential candidate in 1972.
View details1972
Politics
Watergate break-in investigation begins
The Watergate break-in marked the start of major investigation under Graham.
View details1972
Literature
Death of Henriette Roosenburg
Henriette Roosenburg died on June 17, 1972, from cancer.
View details1981
Literature
Death of Zerna Addis Sharp
Zerna Addis Sharp died on June 17, 1981, in Indiana.
View details1985
Aviation
First spaceflight: STS‑51‑G launch
Lucid launched on Discovery for her first spaceflight, marking her debut mission in space exploration.
View details1986
Arts
Death of Kate Smith
Kate Smith died in Raleigh, North Carolina, at age 79, concluding a career that made her one of America's most iconic voices.
View details1988
Science
Death of Dame Elizabeth Lane
Dame Elizabeth Lane died on 17 June 1988 in Winchester, Hampshire, England, at the age of 82.
View details1992
1993
Exploration
Grandes Jorasses north face solo (the Shroud)
Soloed the Grandes Jorasses north face, her first of the 'Big Six' solo climbs.
View details1995
Sports
1995 Women’s World Cup MVP and bronze medal match
Hamm secured MVP title in 1995 World Cup, helping U.S. clinch bronze.
View details1997
Medicine
Combined cabinet with glove box and medical waste container patent
Patent for cabinet integrating glove access and medical waste container.
View details2001
Sports
First GM norm at New York City Mayor’s Cup
Tied for first at New York City Mayor’s Cup, earning first GM norm.
View details2008
Arts
Release of *One of the Boys*
Perry's major-label debut album, *One of the Boys*, was released, marking her commercial breakthrough.
View details2017
Aviation
Keynote address at DAR 126th Continental Congress
Robinson delivered keynote remarks at the Daughters of the American Revolution's 126th Continental Congress.
View details2026
Arts
Recognized by Cannes Lions as the first professional Afghan rapper
Cannes Lions recognizes Sonita Alizadeh as the first professional Afghan rapper.
View details