Name: Amelia Earhart becomes first woman to fly solo across Atlantic
Start: 1932-05-21
Location: Derry, Northern Ireland

Holidays on May 21, 2026:

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, May 21, 2026. Promote mutual respect, understanding, and exchange between cultures to foster dialogue and cooperation. more >>

International Tea Day

International Tea Day, May 21, 2026, brings together tea enthusiasts to share love, stories, and tea-making traditions, with tastings, workshops, and cultural events. more >>

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day, May 21, 2026: Learn about the importance of inclusive technology and digital products for people with disabilities. more >>

International Chardonnay Day

International Chardonnay Day, 5/21/2026: Discover the rich, buttery flavors of this iconic white wine and indulge in a glass (or two) with wine enthusiasts worldwide. more >>

National Strawberries and Cream Day

National Strawberries and Cream Day, 5/21/2026, indulge in sweet and tangy flavors, classic desserts, and creative recipes. more >>

National Waiters and Waitresses Day

National Waiters and Waitresses Day, 5/21/2026, recognize the hard work and dedication of food service industry professionals with special discounts and generous tips. more >>

National Notebook Day

National Notebook Day, 5/21/2026, discover the joy of putting pen to paper and embracing the freedom to express yourself. more >>

Hummus Day

Join us on Hummus Day, May 21st, 2026, as we unite over creamy, nutritious hummus and explore its rich cultural heritage. more >>

National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day

National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, 5/21/2026: Discover the benefits of a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies and learn how to incorporate them into your daily routine. more >>

Birthdays on May 21:

Mr. T

73 Years Old

A tough-talking, mohawk-sporting actor and professional wrestler who starred in the hit TV show "The A-Team" and became a cultural icon of the 1980s.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Died in 1997, aged 24

A dominant force in 90s hip-hop, known for vivid storytelling and authentic lyrics that painted a gritty picture of life in Brooklyn. His music addressed social issues and told sto...

Jeffrey Dahmer

Died in 1994, aged 34

Notorious serial killer who committed heinous murders and engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism, shocking the nation with his depraved crimes.

Al Franken

74 Years Old

A comedian and politician who wrote for Saturday Night Live and served as a US Senator, known for his sharp wit and progressive views.

Richard Appel

62 Years Old

Creator of iconic TV shows like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy", known for his witty humor and satire.

Gotye

45 Years Old

A Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter behind the massive hit "Somebody That I Used to Know", blending indie rock and pop to create catchy, eclectic tunes .

Ronald Isley

84 Years Old

Legendary lead vocalist of the Isley Brothers, known for iconic hits like "Shout" and "It's Your Thing", blending rock, soul, and funk to create a unique sound.

Nick Cassavetes

66 Years Old

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker behind iconic romantic dramas like "The Notebook" and "My Sister's Keeper", known for evoking powerful emotions on screen.

Judge Reinhold

68 Years Old

Star of several iconic 80s and 90s comedies, including "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Beverly Hills Cop," known for his witty humor and memorable characters.

Raymond Burr

Died in 1993, aged 76

Star of the iconic TV detective series "Perry Mason," this actor brought justice to the small screen with his signature style and wit. He also played the titular character in "Iron...

Bobby Cox

84 Years Old

Legendary baseball figure who won more games than any other manager in history, leading the Atlanta Braves to 15 division titles and a World Series championship.

Hans Berger

Died in 1941, aged 68

Developed the first electroencephalogram (EEG) to record human brain activity, revolutionizing the field of neuroscience. This innovation enabled doctors to diagnose and treat brai...

Events from History on May 21:

99 years ago

Lindbergh completes solo Atlantic Ocean flight (Le Bourget Field, Paris, France) 1927

Charles Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S. Army reserve officer, wrote himself into the history books as he landed his single-engine Spirit of St. Louis at Le Bourget Field in Paris. Thirty-three and a half hours after taking off from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York, Lindbergh touched down on French soil, marking the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The young aviator battled against treacherous weather, icing conditions, and fatigue, but his determination and skill paid off as he landed safely in the City of Light. The world was electrified by this groundbreaking feat, hailing Lindbergh as a hero and pioneer in aviation.

155 years ago

French troops crush Paris Commune, killing 20,000 (Paris, France) 1871

The final week of May 1871 was a brutal and devastating one for the people of Paris. The city, which had been governed by the radical socialist Paris Commune since March, was on the brink of collapse. French troops, determined to quash the Commune's revolutionary ideals, stormed the city, sparking a week of intense street fighting. The clash was one of the deadliest in French history, with estimates suggesting that up to 20,000 communards lost their lives. Another 38,000 were arrested, many of whom would be imprisoned or exiled. The bloody suppression of the Commune marked the end of the revolutionary experiment, but its impact on French politics and society would be felt for generations to come.

25 years ago

French law recognizes slavery as a crime against humanity (France) 2001

Christiane Taubira, a French politician, championed the monumental law that would change France's stance on its dark past. On May 21, 2001, France officially recognized the Atlantic slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, marking a historic shift in the country's acknowledgment of its colonial past. This groundbreaking legislation not only addressed the nation's guilt but also paved the way for education and awareness about the transatlantic slave trade's atrocities.

35 years ago

Former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi assassinated by suicide bomber (Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India) 1991

The life of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was brutally cut short by a female suicide bomber near Madras, India. The assassin, later identified as Dhanu, approached Gandhi at a campaign rally, greeted him, and detonated an explosive device concealed under her clothes. The blast killed Gandhi, as well as 14 others, and left many more injured. This heinous act was carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist organization fighting for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. Gandhi's assassination sent shockwaves across India and the world, leaving a lasting impact on Indian politics and national security.

28 years ago

President Suharto's corruption sparks Indonesian uprising (Jakarta, Indonesia) 1998

Suharto, the strongman president of Indonesia, faced the repercussions of his corrupt regime when security forces killed protesting students from Trisakti University. The brutal incident sparked massive protests in Jakarta, with furious crowds demanding his resignation. As the demonstrations intensified, Suharto, who had held power for over three decades, was forced to step down, marking the end of an era of corruption and oppression.

94 years ago

Amelia Earhart becomes first woman to fly solo across Atlantic (Derry, Northern Ireland) 1932

Bad weather forced Amelia Earhart to make an emergency landing in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland, but little did she know, she had just made history! The feisty aviator had successfully flown solo across the Atlantic Ocean, claiming her rightful place as the first woman to achieve this incredible feat. Defying the odds and pushing past treacherous weather conditions, Amelia proved her skills as a seasoned pilot, paving the way for future generations of female flyers.

Notable Deaths on May 21:

2000Barbara Cartland English romance author with millions of fans

2005Howard Morris Multitalented filmmaker and comedic genius

2013Leonard Marsh Innovative American entrepreneur and businessman, co-founder of Snapple Beverage Corporation

2006Billy Walker Cultivated singer-songwriter and musician

2002Niki de Saint Phalle French-American sculptor and painter with a unique style

2006Katherine Dunham Groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and author

2005Stephen Elliott Beloved actor with a long and storied career

2000Mark R. Hughes Entrepreneurial co-founder of Herbalife

1991Rajiv Gandhi Indian politician and Prime Minister-in-waiting

1995Les Aspin American politician and former Defense Secretary

2015Louis Johnson Funky basslines and rhythmic grooves that shook the music world

2012Bill Stewart Legendary football coach and athlete

1983Kenneth Clark British historian and author of ancient cultures

1973Vaughn Monroe Singer, musician, and entertainer

1542Hernando de Soto Spanish explorer who mapped the southeastern United States

2000John Gielgud Award-winning British actor with a Shakespearean background

1952John Garfield Hollywood actor and American icon

1988Sammy Davis Sr. Legendary American performer and dancer

2019Binyavanga Wainaina Passionate words that ignited the power of human imagination

1935Jane Addams Social reformer and peace advocate