Fact 1: Celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day
On May 17th, Norway celebrates National Day or Constitution Day, known as "Syttende Mai" (Seventeenth May) in Norwegian. This is a significant holiday celebrating Norway's adoption of its constitution in 1814. The day is filled with parades, traditional costumes, and lots of Norwegian flags, offering an in-depth insight into Norwegian history and culture.
Fact 2: The First Fair Trade Day
The World Fair Trade Organization declared the first-ever World Fair Trade Day on May 17, 2001. The day was dedicated to promote fair wages and good working conditions for producers in developing countries. Now, it is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in May.
Fact 3: The Day of the First Academy Awards
In the world of film, May 17 marked a significant milestone. On this day in 1929, the first Academy Awards were held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The award ceremony set the precedent for the prestigious awards which continue to be held annually today.
Fact 4: The Birth of the Modern Circus
Circus fans should mark May 17 on their calendars. On this day in 1771, the modern circus was created in London by Philip Astley. Thus, if you love the thrill of acrobats, jugglers, and clowns, you owe it to this significant day in history.
Fact 5: Personal Computer Invention
May 17, 1978, was an important day in the history of technology — it marked the release of the Apple II computer. Arguably the machine that kicked off the personal computer revolution, it remains an icon of the tech world.
Fact 6: The Inception of the Brown v. Board of Education
On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case, striking down racial segregation in public schools. It ushered in a new era in civil rights, making this day worth remembering.
Fact 7: Famous Birthdays on May 17
Many notable individuals were born on May 17 like singer-songwriter Enya, famous footballer Tony Parker, and notable explorer Erik the Red. So, those sharing a birthday might be inspired by these famous individuals.
Fact 8: The Day Niagara Falls Stopped Running
On May 17, 1848, Niagara Falls slowed to a trickle due to an ice jam upstream. This stoppage lasted for almost 48 hours before the jam was cleared and the flow began once more — a bizarre and historic moment in natural history.
Fact 9: Debut of Pope John Paul II
May 17, 1981, marked the first public appearance of Pope John Paul II after an attempted assassination left him severely wounded. His resilient appearance at the window of his hospital room moved millions worldwide.
Fact 10: The Three Mile Island Accident
On May 17, 1980, the clean-up of the worst nuclear disaster in the United States, the Three Mile Island accident, started. This marked a significant step in the aftermath of an incident that influenced attitudes and regulations on nuclear power.
Fact 11: Montreal Canadians' Victory
The Montreal Canadians hoisted the Stanley Cup in victory on May 17, 1979, marking their fourth consecutive win. This made them the last team in the National Hockey League to win four back-to-back championships.
Fact 12: Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy
On May 17, 1809, Napoleon Bonaparte declared the annexation of Rome and papal domains to the Kingdom of Italy, marking a noteworthy event in the history of Italy and the Vatican.
Fact 13: The London Tornado of 1091
May 17 is notorious in London’s history as the date of the London tornado of 1091. One of the earliest recorded tornadoes in history, it destroyed the bridge over the River Thames and the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, among other buildings.
Fact 14: Debut of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
On May 17, 1113, Pope Paschal II, in a bull, recognized the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, dedicating it to the care of the sick and the poor. This signifies the start of one of the oldest surviving chivalric orders.
Fact 15: New York Stock Exchange’s Largest Crash
In financial history, May 17, 1792, marks the day of the largest crash of the New York Stock Exchange, exacerbating the Panic of 1792.
Fact 16: Last Flight of Airbus A300
For aviation enthusiasts, May 17, 2007, marked the end of an era as the very last Airbus A300 made its final flight. The A300 was the first twin-engined wide-body airliner and marked a breakthrough in aircraft design and technology.
Fact 17: First Kentucky Derby
May 17, 1875, saw the inception of the first Kentucky Derby horse race. The Derby is now the longest continually held major sporting event in the U.S.
Fact 18: Discovery of the Hale-Bopp Comet
On May 17, 1993, the Hale-Bopp Comet was discovered independently by two amateur astronomers, Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp. The comet became visible to the naked eye in May 1996.
Fact 19: The Unknown War Declaration
On May 17, 1775, Congress learned of the British invasion of Ticonderoga. This eventually led to an early declaration of war against the British, a fact missing from most American Revolution history books.
Fact 20: Birth of French Impressionist Art
Art lovers might celebrate May 17 as it marked the beginning of the French Impressionist movement. On this day in 1863, the Salon des Refusés exhibited works by artists denied entry to the official Paris Salon, including future Impressionist painters like Édouard Manet and Paul Cézanne.