2027

5 National Days to Celebrate on May 22, 2027

National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 22, 2027. Plus historical events and birthdays.

2027
National Solitaire Day

National Solitaire Day

May 22, 2027 celebrates National Solitaire Day, plus 4 more. On May 22, National Solitaire Day recognizes a card game that has been around for more than 200 years.

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NATIONAL CRAFT DISTILLERY DAY  May 22

National Craft Distillery Day

On May 22, National Craft Distillery Day adds spirits to the small-batch revolution. Recognizing the diversity of distilled spirits, the industry followed in the footsteps of the craft brewers and began creating a market for themselves.

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National Vanilla Pudding Day

We recognize National Vanilla Pudding Day on May 22 and use it as an excuse to enjoy a delicious dish of cold, creamy vanilla pudding.

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National Buy A Musical Instrument Day

Each year on May 22, we observe National Buy a Musical Instrument Day. The day is all about playing music. If you are a musician, it might be time for a new instrument. Maybe you can learn to play a second or third one. If you have never played an instrument before, this celebration may be the motivation you need.

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Born on May 22

People born on May 22

1819
JW

Julia Ward Howe

Author and songwriter who wrote the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Mothers' Day Proclamation.

1821
AS

Alfred Sully

Military officer who served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War and the American Indian Wars.

1846
OP

Oliver Perry Hay

Paleontologist whose work helped with classification of dinosaurs and vertebrate paleontology.

1908
HS

Horton Smith

The first Masters Tournament (golf) champion.

1910
JO

Johnny Olson

The longtime announcer for the original To Tell the Truth, What's My Line? and The Price is Right.

1917
GA

George Aratani

Owner and founder of the Kenwood Electronics Corporation.

1932
RS

Robert Spitzer

Psychiatrist and major developer of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

1936
GH

George H. Heilmeier

Engineer who helped invent LCD displays.

1984
DM

Dustin Moskovitz

Co-founder of Facebook.

Historical Events on May 22

Events that occurred on May 22 throughout history

1761

The first life insurance policy in North America was issued in Philadelphia.

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.

1803

The first public library opens in Connecticut.

The first public library opens in Salisbury, Connecticut, becoming the nation's first publicly funded free library.

1804

The Lewis and Clark Expedition officially begins to map the West.

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.

1807

Former Vice President Aaron Burr is indicted of treason.

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.

1846

The Associated Press is formed in NY City.

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.

1849

A future President Abraham Lincoln is issued a patent for a lift boat invention.

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.

1863

The War Department establishes Bureau of Colored Troops.

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.

1906

The Wright Brothers are granted a patent for their "Flying-Machine".

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.

1933

World Trade Day/National Maritime Day is celebrated for the first time.

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.

1964

The "Great Society" is launchedto eliminate inequality financially and socially.

President Johnson launches his "Great Society" program to eliminate poverty, the reduction of racial injustice, and the expansion of social welfare, education, and healthcare.

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