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May 17 in History: The New York Stock Exchange Begins, Brown v. Board Is Decided, and Chuck E. Cheese Opens

Scott Winters May 17, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on May 17 in history, along with notable events that shaped finance, education, and popular culture.

What Happened on May 17 in History?

Important events on this day include the founding of the New York Stock Exchange, the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling, and the opening of the first Chuck E. Cheese restaurant.

MAY 17 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1792 – The New York Stock Exchange was founded at 70 Wall Street by 24 brokers.

1846 – The saxophone was patented by Adolphe Sax.

1875 – The first Kentucky Derby took place in Louisville, KY. A horse named Aristides was the winner.

1877 – The first telephone switchboard burglar alarm was installed by Edwin T. Holmes.

1881 – Gold was discovered near Ishpeming, MI, by a Marquette chemist and geologist named Julius Ropes.

1932 – Congress changed the name “Porto Rico” to “Puerto Rico.”

1946 – President Harry Truman seized control of the nation’s railroads, delaying a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.

1954 – The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled for school integration in Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. The ruling declared that racially segregated schools were inherently unequal.

1961 – Cuban leader Fidel Castro offered to free Bay of Pigs Invasion prisoners in exchange for 500 bulldozers.

1973 – The Senate Watergate Committee began their televised hearings.

1975 – NBC TV bought the rights to show the movie “Gone With the Wind”. The one time rights cost NBC $5 million

1977 – Nolan Bushnell opened the first Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in San Jose, CA.

1985 – Bobby Ewing died on the season finale of TV’s “Dallas” on CBS. He returned the following season.

1990 – Kelsey Grammer was sentenced to 30 days in jail for DWI.

1996 – President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. Megan’s Law was named for 7-year-old Megan Kanka, who was raped and killed in 1994.

1999 – Alex Trebek received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2000 – After 10 seasons, the final episode of TV’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” aired.

2000 – The Eagles filed suit against the “Hotel California” restaurant in Dallas, TX, alleging trademark violations.

2001 – The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp based on Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip.

2005 – Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson on TV’s “The Simpsons”, was elected mayor of Northridge, CA.

2006 – The U.S. aircraft carrier Oriskany was sunk about 24 miles off Pensacola Beach. It was the first vessel sunk under a Navy program to dispose of old warships by turning them into diving attractions. It was the largest artificial reef at the time of the sinking.

2011 – The final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey” show was recorded in Chicago, IL.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MAY 17:

Ronald Wayne – 92 years old (1934) – Computer scientist, co-founded Apple Computer

Hazel R. O'Leary – 89 years old (1937) – Lawyer and politician, 7th United States Secretary of Energy

Alan Kay – 86 years old (1940) – Computer scientist and academic

David Cope – 85 years old (1941) – Composer and author

Ben Nelson – 85 years old (1941) – Lawyer and politician, 37th Governor of Nebraska

Taj Mahal – 84 years old (1942) – Blues singer-songwriter and musician

Keith – 77 years old (1949) – Pop singer

Sugar Ray Leonard – 70 years old (1956) – Boxer

Annise Parker – 70 years old (1956) – Politician

Lou DiBella – 66 years old (1960) – Boxing promoter, actor, and producer

Craig Ferguson – 64 years old (1962) – Scottish-American comedian, actor, and talk show host

Rosalind Picard – 64 years old (1962) – Computer scientist and engineer, co-founded Affectiva

Jon Koncak – 63 years old (1963) – Basketball player

Page McConnell – 63 years old (1963) – Keyboard player and songwriter

Trent Reznor – 61 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer

Luann de Lesseps – 61 years old (1965) – Singer and television personality

Danny Manning – 60 years old (1966) – Basketball player and coach

Dave Abbruzzese – 58 years old (1968) – Rock drummer and songwriter

Hubert Davis – 56 years old (1970) – Basketball player and coach

Jordan Knight – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and actor

Matt Lindland – 56 years old (1970) – Mixed martial artist, wrestler, and politician

Josh Homme – 53 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Eddie Lewis – 52 years old (1974) – International soccer player

Kandi Burruss – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

José Guillén – 50 years old (1976) – Dominican-American baseball player

Wang Leehom – 50 years old (1976) – American-Taiwanese singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and director

John Foster – 48 years old (1978) – Baseball player and coach

Carlos Peña – 48 years old (1978) – Dominican-American baseball player

Matt Cassel – 44 years old (1982) – Football player

Tony Parker – 44 years old (1982) – French-American basketball player

Channing Frye – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player

Jeremy Sowers – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Derek Hough – 41 years old (1985) – Actor, singer, and dancer

Todd Redmond – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player

Matt Ryan – 41 years old (1985) – Football player

Nikki Reed – 38 years old (1988) – Actress, singer, and screenwriter

Will Clyburn – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MAY 17:

World Baking Day: Cookies, brownies, pies, bread…try out some new recipes, or revisit your old favorites to have a little fun in the kitchen and end up with tasty treats.
National Walnut Day: Go nuts for walnuts! These crunchy delights pack a punch of flavor and nutrition in every bite. Sprinkle them on salads, bake them into treats, or snack on them straight from the bag. It's a nutty good time!
National Pinot Grigio Day: The popular white wine known as Pinot Grigio comes from a mix of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Visit a winery, host a tasting event, or simply enjoy a glass.
Stepmother’s Day: Most of us know about Mother’s Day and many of us cherish and enjoy it. But have you heard of Stepmother’s Day? It's an important way to say thank you to a unique parent figure! How to Celebrate Stepmother’s Day This day is a wonderful opportunity to show real appreciation and...
World Telecommunications Day: Pay tribute to the pioneers of communication who make it possible for us to talk to each other across great distances, by phone, Zoom, text, and more.
Ride a Unicycle Day: A solitary wheel, a feat of equilibrium and poise, embodies a singular journey of grace and mastery in the world of cycling.
National Pack Rat Day: National Pack Rat Day invites us to rethink our relationship with material possessions. This day isn't just about clearing out clutter—it's a call to organize our lives and perhaps let go of things we no longer need. Whether it's old clothes, books, or knickknacks, Pack Rat Day challenges us to create...
World Hypertension Day: Get your blood pressure tested and learn about the condition known as hypertension, which can cause an array of health problems for people of all ages.
National Mushroom Hunting Day: National Mushroom Hunting Day is an eagerly awaited occasion for enthusiasts across the country. It's a day when mushroom lovers and foragers step out into the woods to search for these unique fungi, embracing the excitement of a treasure hunt in nature. This event unites nature lovers, hobbyists, and families who...
National Graduation Tassel Day: National Graduation Tassel Day shines a light on a small part of graduation attire that somehow carries a huge amount of meaning. That swishy little tassel hanging from a mortarboard has become a symbol of years of classes, late nights, exams, projects, and personal growth, all wrapped into one colorful...
National Idaho Day: Idaho has a charm all its own, and National Idaho Day is a chance to appreciate everything that makes it special. Towering mountains, rolling farmland, and winding rivers create a landscape that feels almost untouched. It’s the kind of place where adventure and quiet beauty exist side by side. But...
International Child Helpline Day: When kids feel unsafe, unheard, or alone, child helplines offer a lifeline. These services connect children with real people who care and listen. Calls come from every corner of the world—some whispering fears, others crying for help. Helpline counselors respond with calm voices and trained hearts. Whether it’s bullying, abuse, mental...
World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day: Neurofibromatosis is not just a mouthful; it’s also a disfiguring and sometimes painful genetic disorder, which as of yet has no cure or means of prevention.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: Be an active ally or participant in LGBTQ spaces and events to join the fight against the tragically still common homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial brings people together under the soft glow of candles. In homes, parks, and city squares, individuals gather to remember those lost to AIDS. The flickering lights create a shared space for reflection and unity. This event also supports those living with HIV, reminding them they are...
National Cherry Cobbler Day: Get ready for a sweet and juicy delight with cherry cobblers! Indulge in a warm and gooey treat, topped with a crisp crust—perfect for any time of the day.
National Pinkfix Day: Money can feel like a private language, full of jargon and unspoken rules. National Pinkfix Day insists that women deserve fluency, confidence, and a seat at every financial table, whether the topic is budgeting for groceries or building a long-term investing plan. It spotlights practical steps that help women feel...
American Craft Beer Week: Exploring diverse flavors and styles, American craft beer showcases innovation and craftsmanship, delighting enthusiasts worldwide.
Foster Care Fortnight: Foster Care Fortnight, an annual event in the UK, typically happens in the first two weeks of May. This initiative is driven by The Fostering Network, a leading charity that promotes foster care awareness and recruitment. The event raises awareness about the growing need for foster carers and their vital...
International Heritage Breeds Week: Support the survival of classic livestock breeds like Oberhasli goats, Wiltshire Wild Horn sheep, and Gloucester Old Spot pigs during Heritage Breeds Week.
Bike to Work Week: Bike to Work Week is a special time celebrated each year across the United States. This event encourages people to ride their bikes to work or anywhere else they need to go as part of a larger movement to promote cycling and its benefits. How to Celebrate Bike to Work Week Embracing...
Learning at Work Week: Learning at Work Week is a special time dedicated to boosting learning culture within the workplace. Celebrated annually, this initiative encourages all types of organizations to engage in activities that foster learning among their teams. The goal is to make learning an integral part of working life, benefiting individual growth and...
Be Nice to Nettles Week: Be Nice to Nettles Week is a vibrant annual event that shines a spotlight on the humble nettle plant. Celebrated in mid-May, this period encourages us to appreciate the ecological and health benefits of nettles. How to Celebrate Be Nice to Nettles Week Here are five quirky and playful ways to dive...
Tracky Dack Day: Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...
National Salvation Army Week: Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.
M.E. Awareness Week: M.E. Awareness Week, celebrated annually, highlights the struggles of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). The week encourages empathy for those affected and serves as a time for people to learn more about this condition. The campaign is organized by various charities, patient groups, and healthcare professionals working together to increase...
National Public Gardens Week: National Public Gardens Week shines a spotlight on the incredible beauty and significance of public gardens. Held each year in early May, it's a week-long celebration designed to highlight the vital role these gardens play in our communities. From fragrant flower displays to serene landscapes, they offer more than just...
I Love My State Parks Week: The United States defines up to 10,000 different areas as state parks. State parks protect more than 14 million acres of landscape, ranging from coastal beaches to forests, sandy deserts to swampland. In addition, state parks provide local residents with opportunities for recreation, access to clean and safe green spaces...