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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 22, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
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 22 throughout history
The first life insurance policy in North America is issued in Philadelphia. The policy was written by the Presbyterian Ministers' Fund to financially protect the widows and children of deceased clergymen.
The first public library opens in Salisbury, Connecticut, becoming the nation's first publicly funded free library.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition officially begins as the Corps of Discovery. Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark, along with 45 men, traveled up the Missouri River to map the uncharted West.
A grand jury indicts former Vice President Aaron Burr of treason for his suspected conspiracy to seize territory in the American Southwest and Spanish Mexico.
The Associated Press is formed in NY City by five daily newspapers to share the high transmission costs of reporting on the Mexican-American War.
The future President Abraham Lincoln is issued a patent for a lift boat invention. He remains the only U.S. President in history to hold a patent.
The War Department establishes Bureau of Colored Troops to coordinate, train, and manage the influx of African American volunteers into the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Wilbur and Orville Wright were granted for their "Flying-Machine". The patent protected their foundational three-axis aerodynamic control system, which enabled pilots to effectively steer and maintain the balance of fixed-wing aircraft.
World Trade Day/National Maritime Day is celebrated for the first time to honor American mariners, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the broader shipping industry.
President Johnson launches his "Great Society" program to eliminate poverty, the reduction of racial injustice, and the expansion of social welfare, education, and healthcare.
People born on May 22
Engineer who helped invent LCD displays.
Co-founder of Facebook.
Paleontologist whose work helped with classification of dinosaurs and vertebrate paleontology.
Military officer who served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War and the American Indian Wars.
Psychiatrist and major developer of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The first Masters Tournament (golf) champion.
Owner and founder of the Kenwood Electronics Corporation.
The longtime announcer for the original To Tell the Truth, What's My Line? and The Price is Right.
