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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 18, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for May.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on May 18 throughout history
Slavery is abolished in Rhode Island, although the law was not enforced. By the mid-1700s, Rhode Island had a slave population double that of other New England colonies, which was a hub for the slave trade. The Gradual Emancipation Act of 1784 mandated that children born to enslaved mothers after March 1, 1784, were free. However, in order for mothers to keep their children, they had to serve the slave owner as an "apprentice". Slavery was fully eradicated in Rhode Island by 1842.
Parents were mandated to send children to school for a minimum of 12 weeks a year, with 6 of those weeks being consecutive attendance. This act compelled parents to ensure their children attended school though most towns were already required to provide schools. The Massachusetts law served as the model for other states to adopt their own legislation.
Robert Tanner Freeman was the some of enslaved parents who became the first African American to graduate from Harvard Dental School in and the first person in the U.S. to earn a dental degree. He overcame racial rejection from other institutions to join Harvard's inaugural 1867 class.
Robert Tanner Freeman was the some of enslaved parents who became the first African American to graduate from Harvard Dental School in and the first person in the U.S. to earn a dental degree. He overcame racial rejection from other institutions to join Harvard's inaugural 1867 class.
TWA was created in 1930 through a merger involving Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) and Western Air Express. The company was famous for its early, rapid coast-to-coast passenger and mail service in a single day. By February 1946, TWA inaugurated its first scheduled transatlantic service from New York to Paris.
At the age of 47, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier at an average speed of 652.337 mph. She was pioneering aviator, wartime leader of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other pilot at her death in 1980.
Engineer and physicist Ray Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories in London in 1965. He revolutionized audio technology, invented the Dolby noise-reduction system to eliminate background hiss in tape recording, and invented surround sound in cinemas. His inventions transformed the audio experience for music, film, and television.
People born on May 18
Cartoon illustrator who worked side-by-side with Stan Lee co-creating Zombie and Daredevil.
Co-founded Flower Films.
Actress, screenwriter and founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Country singer dubbed "King George."
Chemist who helped develop "leaded" gasoline.
The first woman to race in Kentucky Derby.
Lead singer of the new wave rock band Devo.
Easy-listening singer and television host of several weekly shows and seasonal specials.
Comedian and actress with lead roles in Baby Mama (2008), Date Night (2010), and Wine Country (2019), to name a few.
Blues and R&B singer famously known for his hit Shake, Rattle and Roll.
Famous photographer known for her images of motherhood, Native Americans portraits, and her support and promotion of women who chose photography as a career.
Author of the original Pledge of Allegiance (1892).
MLB right-fielder and HOF'er who is considered on of the greatest baseball players of all time.
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