Discovery of the Inverted Jenny
On May 14, 1918, stamp collector William Robey discovered the rare Inverted Jenny error sheet. One of the most famous US stamp errors, he found the only known sheet to reach public hands.
This Day in History
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First Successful Wireless Communication Over Water
On May 13, 1897, Guglielmo Marconi sent the world’s first wireless communication over open sea. For his pioneering work, Marconi later received the Nobel Prize in Physics.
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Start of Scenic American Landscapes Series
On May 12, 1999, the USPS introduced a new series of Airmail stamps – the Scenic American Landscapes. These were the final Airmail stamps. issued through 2012.
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The Rural Electrification Administration
On May 11, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). The REA brought power to millions on remote farms.
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The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
On May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led a small colonial militia to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British.
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Happy Birthday J.M. Barrie
James Matthew Barrie was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland. His most famous work was Peter Pan, which was turned into an animated film in 1953.
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Death of King Kamehameha I
The first king of the Kingdom Hawaii, King Kamehameha I, is believed to have died on May 8, 1819. Kamehameha was the first chief to unite the Hawaiian islands and remains a revered figure in the state today.
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First Flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
On May 7, 1992, the Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its first mission, STS-49. America’s fifth and final operational shuttle, it would go on to fly 122,883,151 miles and spend 299 days in space.
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Works Progress Administration
On May 6, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 7034, establishing the Works Progress Administration. The WPA provided jobs for 8.5 million people in the midst of the Great Depression.
