On This Day in History
May 17
Death of Donna Summer, Queen of Disco
Donna Summer, the American singer known as the 'Queen of Disco', passed away. Her hits like 'Hot Stuff' and 'Last Dance' defined an era and influenced generations of pop and dance music.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Observed by UN
The United Nations established World Telecommunication and Information Society Day to raise awareness of the importance of internet and communication technologies in bridging the digital divide.
World Information Society Day First Celebrated
The United Nations established World Information Society Day to promote awareness of the importance of information and communication technologies in bridging the digital divide globally.
First Same-Sex Marriages Legally Performed in the United States
Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize and perform same-sex marriages, following a state Supreme Court ruling. This milestone paved the way for national marriage equality in 2015.
World Health Organization Removes Homosexuality from List of Mental Disorders
The WHO declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder, a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ rights. This date is now commemorated globally as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
First Space Shuttle Launch at Night: STS-6 Challenger
NASA launched STS-6 on the Space Shuttle Challenger, marking the first nighttime shuttle launch. The mission deployed the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS).
French President François Mitterrand Elected
François Mitterrand became the first socialist president of the Fifth Republic in France. His presidency brought significant social reforms and marked a shift in European political dynamics.
First Email Sent Between Two Different Hosts
Programmer Eric Schmidt (later of Google fame) sent the first email between two distinct computer hosts over ARPANET, laying the groundwork for the modern internet-based email system.
First Successful Ascent of Mount Everest Without Supplemental Oxygen
Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, a feat once thought physiologically impossible.
Hyundai Motor Company Founded in South Korea
Hyundai Motor Company was founded in South Korea. It grew into one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, symbolizing South Korea’s industrial rise.
Launch of the U.S. Navy's First Nuclear-Powered Submarine, USS Nautilus
The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, was commissioned by the U.S. Navy. It revolutionized naval warfare by enabling prolonged underwater operations and stealth.
U.S. Supreme Court Declares School Segregation Unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine and marking a pivotal victory for the American civil rights movement.
Norwegian Women Granted Full Voting Rights
Norway granted full voting rights to women, becoming one of the first sovereign nations to do so. This advancement in gender equality coincided with the country’s Constitution Day.
French Troops Capture Hanoi, Beginning French Colonial Rule in Vietnam
French forces captured Hanoi, solidifying colonial rule over northern Vietnam. This event marked the beginning of nearly seven decades of French Indochina, which shaped the region’s modern history.
First Performance of Richard Wagner’s 'Die Walküre'
Richard Wagner’s opera *Die Walküre*, part of the Ring Cycle, premiered in Munich. Its famous 'Ride of the Valkyries' became one of the most recognizable pieces in classical music and pop culture.
Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad Celebrated in New York
News of the completion of the U.S. transcontinental railroad reached New York, sparking nationwide celebrations. It marked a new era of travel and commerce across the continent.
Norwegian Constitution Signed, Declaring Independence from Denmark
Norway adopted its constitution at Eidsvoll, declaring independence from Denmark. Although full independence wasn’t achieved until 1905, May 17 is celebrated as Norway’s national day.
Norwegian Constitution Signed – Celebrated as Norway’s National Day
Norway signed its constitution at Eidsvoll, declaring independence after centuries under Danish rule. Although a union with Sweden followed, this date is celebrated as Norway’s Constitution Day.
Founding of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
Under the Buttonwood Agreement, 24 stockbrokers and merchants established what would become the New York Stock Exchange. It later evolved into the world’s largest stock market by market capitalization.
UK Parliament Passes First Copyright Law – The Copyright Act 1710
The UK’s Statute of Anne, the world’s first copyright law, came into effect. It laid the foundation for modern intellectual property law by granting rights to authors rather than publishers.