This Day In History

On May 9, 1936, the Third International Philatelic Exhibition (TIPEX) opened at Grand Central Palace in New York City. The exhibition included the issue of a four-stamp souvenir sheet, a visit from he Hindenburg, and more. 

President Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri on May 8, 1884. America’s 33rd president, he led America through the final months of WWII and the early years of the Cold War.

On May 7, 1847, the American Medical Association (AMA) was founded, thanks in large part to Nathan Smith Davis. Since its creation, the AMA’s mission has been “to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.”

On May 6, 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville ended in a Confederate victory. The Battle of Chancellorsville is known as Lee’s “perfect battle” and for the death of Stonewall Jackson.

On November 9, 1964, the US Post Office issued its first se-tenant, which was also America’s third Christmas issue. Today, the USPS issues at least one se-tenant every year.

On September 25, 1920, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was officially established as a national social welfare organization. The organization provides millions of dollars in support for disabled veterans.

On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces defeated French invaders at the Battle of Puebla. Commemoration of the event has come to be known as Cinco de Mayo.

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.

On May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led a small colonial militia to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British.

On May 10, 1876, the first official World’s Fair in the United States was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The fair also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

On May 10, 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed with the driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit, Utah. Completing the Transcontinental Railroad is widely considered one of the greatest accomplishments of the 19th century!

Dimitri Zinovievich Tiomkin on born on May 10, 1894, in Kremenchuk, Poltava Governorate, Russian Empire (present0day Ukraine). Tiomkin was a celebrated composer, producing more than 100 film scores including those for It’s a Wonderful Life, High Noon, and many more.