Calendar icon showing May 20 for Today in History post

May 20 in History: Blue Jeans Are Patented, Lindbergh Takes Flight, and “Cheers” Ends

Scott Winters May 20, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on May 20 in history, along with notable events that shaped fashion, aviation, and television history.

What Happened on May 20 in History?

Important events on this day include the patenting of blue jeans, Charles Lindbergh beginning his historic Atlantic flight, and the final episode of Cheers airing on NBC.

MAY 20 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1774 – Britain’s Parliament passed the Coercive Acts to punish the American colonists for their increasingly anti-British behavior

1830 – The fountain pen was patented by H.D. Hyde.

1861 – North Carolina became the eleventh state to secede from the Union.

1873 – Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.

1875 – The International Bureau of Weights and Measures was established.

1891 – Thomas Edison’s prototype kinetoscope was first shown to the public.

1899 – Taxi driver Jacob German of New York, NY, became the first driver to be arrested for speeding. The posted speed limit was 12 miles per hour.

1905 – Louis Chevrolet (who designed the Chevy for General Motors in 1911) won his first race on a cinder track in Morris Park, NY.

1916 – A Norman Rockwell painting appeared on the cover of “The Saturday Evening Post” for the first time. The painting was “Boy with a Baby Carriage”.

1916 – A small town in Kansas called Codell was struck by a tornado. The same town was also hit by a tornado in 1917 and 1918 all on the exact same date.

1926 – Congress passed the Air Commerce Act. The act gave the Department of Commerce the right to license pilots and planes.

1927 – Malcolm “Mac” Wood, took his wife Mable on her first dune ride in a Model A Ford after a 3-day downpour had packed down the sand on the Silver Lake sand dunes in Michigan. A few years later he had developed the first of his famous “dune scooters” by converting a Ford Model A into a four-seat dune buggy. He charged 25 cents for rides.

1927 – Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, NY, to cross the Atlantic non-stop for Paris aboard his airplane the “Spirit of St. Louis.” He touched down at Le Bourget Field in Paris the next day. The trip took 33 1/2 hours.

1930 – The first airplane was catapulted from a dirigible.

1932 – Amelia Earhart took off from Newfoundland to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. She landed in Ireland the next day to become the first woman to achieve the feat.

1939 – The first telecast over telephone wires was sent from Madison Square Garden to the NBC-TV studios at 30 Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. The event was a bicycle race.

1939 – The first regular air-passenger service across the Atlantic Ocean began with the take-off of the “Yankee Clipper” from Port Washington, NY.

1942 – The song “I’ve Got A Gal in Kalamazoo” was recorded by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.

1969 – Peter Cetera, of the band Chicago, was beaten up by four men at a Chicago Cubs-Dodgers baseball game. The men objected to the length of his hair. Cetera underwent four hours of emergency surgery.

1978 – Mavis Hutchinson, at age 53, became the first woman to run across America. It took Hutchinson 69 days to run the 3,000 miles.

1980 – The submarine Nautilus was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

1982 – The final episode of TV’s “Barney Miller” aired on ABC-TV.

1985 – The Dow Jones industrial average broke the 1300 mark for the first time. The Dow closed at 1304.88.

1985 – Radio Marti, part of the Voice of America service, began broadcasting to Cuba.

1990 – The Hubble Space Telescope sent back its first photographs.

1993 – The final episode of TV’s “Cheers” aired on NBC. Approximately 42.4 million households were watching.

1996 – After six seasons, the final episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, starring Will Smith, aired on NBC.

2003 – A cow in British Columbia, Canada was diagnosed with mad cow disease. As a result, the U.S. banned imports of Canadian beef, cattle and animal feed.

2007 – The Lundberg survey set a new high for gasoline prices in the United States at $3.18 per gallon.

2009 – Kris Allen was declared the winner of the eighth season of TV’s “American Idol”. Adam Lambert finished in second place.

2010 – Five paintings worth 100 million Euro were stolen from the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.

2015 – David Letterman hosted “The Late Show with David Lettermen” for the final time.

2022 – More than 40 people were injured and one person was killed after a tornado ripped through Gaylord, Michigan in the afternoon.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MAY 20:

Constance Towers – 93 years old (1933) – Actress and singer

Anthony Zerbe – 90 years old (1936) – Actor

John Strasberg – 85 years old (1941) – Actor and teacher

Cher – 80 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Thomas Akers – 75 years old (1951) – Colonel, engineer, and astronaut

Mike Crapo – 75 years old (1951) – Lawyer and politician

David Paterson – 72 years old (1954) – Lawyer and politician, 55th Governor of New York

Steve George – 71 years old (1955) – Keyboard player and songwriter

Douglas Preston – 70 years old (1956) – Journalist and author

Ron Reagan – 68 years old (1958) – Journalist and radio host

Jane Wiedlin – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress

Susan Cowsill – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter

Tony Goldwyn – 66 years old (1960) – Actor and director

David Wells – 63 years old (1963) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Ted Allen – 61 years old (1965) – Television host and author

Dan Abrams – 60 years old (1966) – Journalist and author

Timothy Olyphant – 58 years old (1968) – Actor and producer

Road Dogg – 57 years old (1969) – Wrestler, producer, and soldier

Terrell Brandon – 56 years old (1970) – Basketball player

Tony Stewart – 55 years old (1971) – Race car driver

Busta Rhymes – 54 years old (1972) – Rapper, producer, and actor

Allison Amend – 52 years old (1974) – Novelist and short story writer

Ramón Hernández – 50 years old (1976) – Venezuelan-American baseball player

Matt Czuchry – 49 years old (1977) – Actor

Angela Goethals – 49 years old (1977) – Actress

Jayson Werth – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player

Austin Kearns – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player

Kassim Osgood – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Rachel Platten – 45 years old (1981) – Singer and songwriter

Lindsay Taylor – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player

Patrick Ewing Jr. – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player

Keith Grennan – 42 years old (1984) – Football player

Julian Wright – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Caroline Zhang – 33 years old (1993) – Figure skater

Doug the Pug – 14 years old (2012) – Celebrity dog

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MAY 20:

World Bee Day: Support bee conservation by donating or purchasing from companies that work to save these crucial members of the ecosystem, or start your own bee hive.
National Streaming Day: Gone are the days of missing out on, or even having to record and re-watch, a favorite television show because it was on at an inconvenient time. Today’s world allows almost anything to be accessed through streaming, almost instantly, and often at just the touch of a button. National Streaming Day...
Weights & Measures Day: Learn about the history of weights and measures in the past, as well as how we’ve come to use the various systems of measurement we use today.
National Quiche Lorraine Day: A shortcrust pastry, bacon, eggs, cream, milk, cheese, and a little time in the oven; that’s all it takes to make the delicious and fancy-sounding Quiche Lorraine.
National Be a Millionaire Day: No, you can’t become a millionaire in a day. But by taking stock of your financial health and taking steps to improve it, you just might get there someday.
Dementia Action Week: Dementia Action Week is a key time of action. It’s time to step up your game on behalf of those who live with the disease. This event means different things while being significant to many different people. But one thing about it is the same -- it should bring us all...
International Clinical Trials Day: Volunteer for a clinical trial to help scientists and professionals create new products that will help society with everything from medical treatments to sunscreen.
National Safe Sun Week: National Safe Sun Week is a special time dedicated to educating people about the dangers of too much sun and how to stay safe. Held in the last week of May, right before the Memorial Day holiday, it marks the beginning of summer. This is when folks often start spending...
Walk to School Week in the UK: Walk to School Week in the UK is a vibrant event encouraging kids to embrace walking as part of their daily routine. This week-long initiative highlights the benefits of walking over driving, making it an engaging and fun experience for children! How to Celebrate Walk to School Week Host a...
National Juice Slush Day: National Juice Slush Day is a celebration of a delightfully simple idea: take sweet, bright fruit juice, add ice, and turn it into a spoonable, sipable burst of cold. It’s playful and practical at the same time, the kind of treat that feels instantly refreshing whether it’s served in a...
National High Heel Day: High heels are more than shoes—they’re statements. They lift not just height but mood, posture, and sometimes even confidence. National High Heel Day shines a light on this bold fashion icon. From glossy pumps to strappy stilettos, heels bring drama, style, and a little magic to every step. Whether spotted...
National Women in Aerospace Day: National Women in Aerospace Day shines a light on the achievements of women in aviation and space. From pilots to engineers, women have played key roles in shaping the skies and beyond. This day celebrates their contributions and encourages more women to explore careers in this exciting field. It highlights the...
National Rescue Dog Day: Wag your tail for rescue dogs! These lovable pups bring joy, loyalty, and unconditional love to every home they enter. Adopt a furry friend and experience the happiness that only a rescue dog can bring.
International Academic Freedom Day: Exploring ideas without bounds, fostering intellectual liberty to ignite curiosity and shape a limitless realm of learning.
National Band Director’s Day: National Band Director's Day, celebrated each year, is a special occasion to recognize the dedication and impact of band directors across the United States. These educators not only teach music but also foster creativity, discipline, and a sense of community among their students. Their relentless effort and passion for nurturing musical...
International Red Sneakers Day: International Red Sneakers Day kicks off a vivid, can’t-miss ripple of red footwear that turns an everyday outfit into a conversation starter. The simple act of wearing red sneakers is meant to show support for people living with food allergies and to encourage safer, better-informed communities. The point is bigger than...
National Sugarbee® Apple Day: Imagine biting into an apple so crisp and sweet it feels like nature's candy. That's the SugarBee® apple, a delightful result of a honeybee's chance encounter between a Honeycrisp blossom and an unknown apple variety. This happy accident led to an apple bursting with honeyed sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Grown...
Eliza Doolittle Day: Eliza Doolittle Day springs from a playful moment in the musical My Fair Lady. In one scene, Eliza imagines a future where the king honors her with a day bearing her name. Fans embraced this idea, turning it into a real celebration. The day highlights Eliza's journey from a flower seller...
World Autoimmune Arthritis Day: Imagine waking up with aching joints, swollen fingers, and a body that feels like it’s fighting itself. That’s the daily reality for millions living with autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis. These conditions cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues, leading to pain and inflammation that can show up in joints, tendons...
National Employee Health and Fitness Day: National Employee Health and Fitness Day celebrates the idea of bringing movement into the workday. It highlights why physical activity matters for people who spend hours in offices or on screens. It shows how a few simple steps—like a stretch break or a walk around the building—can recharge minds and...
National Pick Strawberries Day: Juicy, red, and sweet, for many people strawberries are practically synonymous with summer. Get outside and pick your own fresh, tasty strawberries.
International Customer Support Day: Behind every great product or service, there's a superhero-like team of friendly helpers, ready to save the day and put a smile on your face!
Turn Beauty Inside Out Day: Turn Beauty Inside Out Day flips the script on beauty standards. Instead of zooming in on appearances, it spotlights kindness, creativity, and courage, the traits that shape how people move through the world and how they make others feel. At its heart, the day encourages everyone to value qualities like empathy...
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...
British Sandwich Week: British Sandwich Week is a lively celebration of one of Britain's most iconic culinary creations: the sandwich. This week, sandwich lovers from all walks of life come together to indulge in the art of sandwich making and tasting. Whether it’s a classic ham and cheese or a gourmet concoction with...
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.
Epilepsy Awareness Week: Epilepsy Awareness Week is a significant event held annually to highlight epilepsy's impact on millions worldwide. Taking place in May, this week-long event aims to inform and engage people in understanding this neurological condition. The goal is to dispel myths and encourage conversations about epilepsy. The purpose of epilepsy is to...
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...