Death of King Kamehameha I
The first king of the Kingdom Hawaii, King Kamehameha I, is believed to have died on May 8, 1819. Kamehameha was the first chief to unite the Hawaiian islands and remains a revered figure in the state today.
American History
First Flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
On May 7, 1992, the Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its first mission, STS-49. America’s fifth and final operational shuttle, it would go on to fly 122,883,151 miles and spend 299 days in space.
Works Progress Administration
On May 6, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 7034, establishing the Works Progress Administration. The WPA provided jobs for 8.5 million people in the midst of the Great Depression.
Opening of Expo ’74
On May 4, 1974, Expo ’74 opened in Spokane, Washington. “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Fresh New Environment,” it was the first world’s fair to focus on environmental themes.
Distinguished Servicemen Series
On May 3, 2000, the USPS issued the first stamps in the Distinguished Servicemen Series. These stamps were intended as a tribute to all servicemen, not just the soldiers they pictured.
US Savings Bonds
On April 30, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt announced a new series of US Savings Bonds and bought the first one himself the following day. These bonds went on to help raise over $185 billion dollars during WWII.
Happy Birthday Ulysses S. Grant
Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. A hero of the Civil War, he served as America’s 18th president.
Launch of the Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery. Sending back amazing images from the furthest reaches of space, Hubble has given us a better understanding of our universe.
First White House Easter Egg Roll
On April 22, 1878, the White House hosted its first official Easter Egg Roll on Easter Monday. It’s a beloved tradition that has continued to this day.