May 17

Scott Winters May 17, 2025 1 Comment

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

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 man-made reef at the time of the sinking.

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

BIRTHDAYS:

Taj Mahal – 83 years old (1942) – Singer

Bill Bruford – 76 years old (1949) – Drummer (Yes, King Crimson)

Kathleen Sullivan – 72 years old (1953) – Television journalist

Sugar Ray Leonard – 69 years old (1956) – Boxer

Audie Desbrow – 68 years old (1957) – Drummer (Great White)

Paul Di’Anno – 67 years old (1958) – Vocalist (Iron Maiden)

Jim Nantz – 66 years old (1959) – Sports announcer (CBS)

Enya – 64 years old (1961) – Singer

Craig Ferguson – 63 years old (1962) – Television host (“The Late Late Show”, “The Drew Carey Show”)

Page McConnell – 62 years old (1963) – Keyboardist (Phish)

Trent Reznor – 60 years old (1965) – Lead vocalist (Nine Inch Nails)

Paige Turco – 60 years old (1965) – Actress (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III”, TV’s “All My Children”, “The Agency”, “The 100”)

Hill Harper – 59 years old (1966) – Actor (“CSI: NY”, “Limitless”)

Thom Filicia – 56 years old (1969) – Television personality (TV’s “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy”)

Jordan Knight – 55 years old (1970) – Singer (New Kids on the Block)

Sasha Alexander – 52 years old (1973) – Actress (TV’s “Rizzoli and Isles”, “NCIS”, “Dawson’s Creek”)

Stefanie Ridel – 52 years old (1973) – Singer, TV host (TV’s “Great Pretenders”)

Sendhil Ramamurthy – 51 years old (1974) – Actor (TV’s “Heroes”, “Covert Affairs”)

Kandi Burruss – 49 years old (1976) – Musician (Xscape, TV’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”, “The Kandi Factory”)

Derek Hough – 40 years old (1985) – Dancer, judge (TV’s “Dancing With the Stars”, “World of Dance”)

Tahj Mowry – 39 years old (1986) – Actor (TV’s “Smart Guy”, “Full House”)

Erin Richards – 39 years old (1986) – Actress (TV’s “Gotham”. “Breaking In”)

Nikki Reed – 37 years old (1988) – Actress (“The Twilight Saga” movies, “Thirteen”, “Lords of Dogtown”)

TODAY IS:

World Whisky Day: Mix up a whisky sour, or pour your favorite whisky over some ice and enjoy. Gather some friends together to try out different brands and cocktails.
National Learn To Swim Day: Teach your kids to swim, or sign up for lessons yourself. It’s good for your health, and may save your life or the life of another from drowning someday.
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.
Preakness Stakes: The Preakness Stakes taking place Baltimore each year, is known for its thrilling horse races, this event marks a key highlight in the Triple Crown, drawing crowds to the historic Pimlico Race Course. Excitement fills the air as some of the finest thoroughbred horses sprint to the finish line, surrounded by...
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.
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!
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.
World Fiddle Day: Schedule a lesson or find a performance to enjoy one of the classic instruments of the working class, the fiddle. Or sit down to watch Fiddler on the Roof!
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.
Plant a Lemon Tree Day: Lemon trees are good for the environment, and incredibly useful. Make lemonade, salad dressing, cocktails and more. Just plant a lemon tree and reap the benefits.
National Graduation Tassel Day: National Graduation Tassel Day is a celebration dedicated to one of the most iconic symbols of academic achievement—the graduation tassel. National Graduation Tassel Day is a chance for graduates to celebrate how far they’ve come and for others to recognize the hard work it took to get there. How to Celebrate...
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 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 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.
National River Cleanup Day: National River Cleanup Day is all about rolling up your sleeves and making rivers look beautiful again. People of all ages step outside, grab gloves and trash bags, and get to work along the water’s edge. They collect old cans, stray plastic, and things no one should ever toss in...
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...
Culture Freedom Day: Culture Freedom Day celebrates the idea that art and knowledge should be open to everyone. It encourages creators to share their work freely, allowing others to use, learn from, and build upon it. This approach challenges traditional restrictions, promoting a more inclusive and collaborative cultural landscape. The day brings together...
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 talks, but for many women, it hasn’t always spoken loud enough. National Pinkfix Day flips that script. It puts women’s financial health front and center, encouraging bold steps forward. The day sparks honest conversations about money, confidence, and control. It invites women to think differently, challenge old habits, and...
US Armed Forces Day: Armed Forces Day might be the best occasion to honor America’s finest men and women. But it’s bigger than just a day for Americans to pay homage to those serving in the Armed Forces. It is also a time of national pride. And it’s a day for appreciating the bravery...
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...
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...
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...
Christian Aid Week: Christian Aid Week is an important time that provides urgent humanitarian relief to the less fortunate and urges long-term programs to help. It calls out the plight of the suffering, giving immediate aid. But it does more; it stands up for the rights of - and demands justice for -...
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 Hospital Week: Whether performing a small elective procedure or treating a life-threatening illness, hospitals are critical places that make a huge difference in the health of individuals, families and communities across the nation. National Hospital Week is here to celebrate and show appreciation for all of the different people who are integral...
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...
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 Salvation Army Week: Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.
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...