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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 19, 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 19 throughout history
The first mass production of shoes begins in Lynn, MA by Jan Matzeliger's Consolidated Lasting Machine Company. His machine increased production from 50 pairs a day by hand to up to 700 pairs, cutting shoe prices in half.
The National Society of Colonial Dames of America is founded in NY. The NSCDA in the State of New York was a pioneering chapter in historic preservation. The organization is still operating today.
The California Alien Land Law of 1913 (Webb–Haney Act), prohibited "aliens ineligible for citizenship". The law targeted Japanese immigrants from owning agricultural land or holding long-term leases.
Congress passed the Emergency Quota Act to curb immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe after WWI. This act set the stage for the permanent Immigration Act of 1924 (Johnson-Reed Act).
Writer and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois becomes the first Black member of The American Academy of Arts and Letters. This barrier-breaking achievement recognized his profound contributions to American literature and intellectual history, particularly through his works like The Souls of Black Folk.
Marilyn Monroe sings her iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" song to President Kennedy. She wore a famously tight, nude-colored gown covered in rhinestones. Afterwards, President Kennedy joked on stage afterward, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way".
People born on May 19
Computer scientist and founder of Digital Research Inc.
Olympic bronze medalist for archery.
The first Black woman to be awarded a Ph.D. in natural science in the U.S.
Pharmacologist who started the Pharmacology Department at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Media entrepreneur who helped establish the Nickelodeon Network.
Acclaimed contemporary author who has sold over 80 million copies of her work, including My Keepers Sister, Nineteen Minutes, and Small Great Things.
Philanthropist and founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins University is named after.
World War I pilot and the first U.S. pilot to receive the Medal of Honor.
