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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 20, 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 20 throughout history
Dorchester, Massachusetts, forms the first school to be funded by local tax dollars. Known as the Mather School, the school was funded by a tax on property owners on Thompson Island and was free to all children in the town.
The South Carolina Jockey Club, often cited as the first in the U.S., was established in Charleston around 1734. The club was composed of elite horse owners and breeders, notes the Steeplechase of Charleston.
The state of Kentucky proclaims its neutrality, which will last until September 3 when Confederate forces enter the state. Following September 3, the state legislature passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of Confederate forces and pledged loyalty to the Union.
President Lincoln signs the Homestead Act, opening 84 million acres of public land to settlers. This legislation was meant to encourage any U.S. citizen to live on, cultivate, and improve the land for five years, paying only a small registration fee.
Straus and Davis were granted U.S. Patent No. 139,121 for "Improvement in Fastening Pocket-Openings", marking the birth of blue jeans with copper rivets. Originally designed for workwear, this invention grew into the iconic 501 brand.
The first public display of Thomas Edison's prototype kinetoscope. Approximately 150 members of the National Federation of Women's Clubs viewed a 3-second film through a peephole in a pine box.
The U.S. Armed Forces Security Agency is established to eliminate duplication of effort between military branches after WWII. In 1952, the agency reorganized and became known as the National Security Agency (NSA).
U.S. troops capture Hill 937, also known as Hamburger Hill in Vietnam.
People born on May 20
The 4th First Lady of the U.S. (President James Madison).
American biologist, geneticist, and academic who helped found and develop the field of evolutionary developmental biology.
Actor who earned great distinction in film, including The Murder Man (1935), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), It's a Wonderful Life (1946).
Award-winning musician and actress who has been dubbed the "Goddess of Pop."
American television host and author.
Botanist who helped develop the standards for studying coral reef and the study of islands.
Co-founder of Hewlett-Packard.
Inventor of the Gramophone record.
Co-founder of Wells Fargo and American Express.
Daughter of Nathaniel Hawthorne who became a nun and founded the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne.
MLB pitcher who was known as "Hurricane Hal."
