What happened in May 1951?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1951, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1⚾ White Sox Trade Minoso – The Chicago White Sox acquire Minnie Miñoso in a major player trade, marking a significant shift in baseball.
- May 2🏥 New Blood Program Building – Red Cross opens new central headquarters in U.S. to enhance blood donation and distribution efforts.
- May 3🌱 Plant Life Study – Science team reports a cyclic process in sunlight use, revealing new insights into plant life and energy absorption.
- May 4🎻 Young Violin Soloist – A 6-year-old girl is selected as a soloist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the youngest ever chosen for children's concerts.
- May 5🌍 Mid-East Peace Key – U.N. Chief states world peace hinges on stability in the Middle East after returning from a diplomatic trip.
- May 6🏥 Greenwich Hospital Dedicated – 2,500 attendees celebrate the dedication of a new $4.75 million hospital structure in Greenwich, marking a significant healthcare milestone.
- May 7✈️ B-36 Crash Kills 23 – A B-36 bomber crashes in New Mexico due to a sandstorm, resulting in the deaths of 23 people aboard.
- May 8🚢 New Ferryboat Launch – The Verrazzano ferryboat begins service, carrying 3,000 passengers and 45 vehicles at 18 miles per hour.
- May 9🏛️ Hawaii Swears in Governor – Hawaii officially swears in its new governor, pledging to fight for statehood and combat communism.
- May 10🎨 Truman Plays Piano – President Truman performs on a gift piano at the U.N., expressing his views on music genres like boogie-woogie and opera.
- May 11🔬 Power in Artificial Limbs – Electronic arm and hydraulic leg showcased in Washington, marking advancements in prosthetic technology.
- May 12🏆 Walker Cup Golf Victory – U.S. golfers secure a 2-0 lead over Britain at Birkdale, showcasing strong performances in the prestigious Walker Cup matches.
- May 13🎨 Water-Color Biennial – The Whitney Museum showcases a major water-color biennial, acquiring significant equity and marking a highlight in contemporary art.
- May 14🇮🇱 Ben-Gurion Visits Einstein – Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion speaks at Independence Hall, presenting the Israeli flag in Philadelphia.
- May 15🎶 Good Music Sought – National Federation aims to restore classical music to radio programs as convention opens in Utah.
- May 16🌾 Flourishing Crops Noted – Agriculture and industry in Ukraine show signs of prosperity, with peaceful villages and booming crops observed from train windows.
- May 17🌾 India Receives Wheat Loan – U.S. Senate approves a $190 million loan for India to purchase wheat, amid debates over famine relief proposals.
- May 18🚀 Future Planes Shown – Innovative aircraft designs and speeds forecasted at a test site, showcasing advancements in aviation technology.
- May 19🔬 Gesell Institute Opens – The Gesell Institute opens today, focusing on child development studies, including vision research and adolescence.
- May 20🔬 Rights Covenant Drafted – Economic and social sections of a human rights covenant were completed in Geneva, with U.S. representatives expressing moderate satisfaction.
- May 21✈️ First Jet Ace Triumphs – World's first jet ace downs two MIGs in ten minutes during battle over Sinuiju, marking a significant achievement in aviation history.
- May 22🔬 Artificial Muscle Developed – Columbia researchers create a chemical that forms fibers mimicking muscle contractions, promising advancements in understanding cell functions.
- May 23🏫 Ellis Island School Opens – A new school opens on Ellis Island, featuring a playground for children of various nationalities, honoring a social worker.
- May 24🏛️ U.N. Aid to Bulgars – $40,000 child program voted for Bulgaria despite U.S. opposition; reflects ongoing international aid discussions.
- May 25🔬 Cancer Research Advances – Major advancements reported in cancer studies, with malignant thyroid tumors produced in mice, aiding future treatment methods.
- May 26🗽 Statue Dedicated – Statue of San Martin is dedicated as a symbol of friendship between the Americas, highlighting international cooperation.
- May 27🗳️ 10 Million Vote in Italy – Italy holds municipal elections with 10 million voters addressing the communism issue, reflecting potential political trends.
- May 28🌍 Tibet Accepts Chinese Rule – Tibet accepts Chinese suzerainty in a 17-point political agreement, marking a significant shift in its governance.
- May 29🔬 Columbia Lab Dedication – Columbia University dedicates a geological observatory, pledged to free scientific inquiry, funded by Mrs. Lamont.
- May 30🌍 U.S. Polar Crossing – A U.S. flier completes the first one-engine polar crossing from Norway to Alaska, marking a significant aviation milestone.
- May 31🔬 Vision Process Recreated – Researchers at Harvard simulate electric impulses of seeing, marking a significant step in understanding vision.
Happy Birthday! 1951 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1951 in real headlines. See the 1951 book →