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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 31, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for May.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on May 31 throughout history
The Copyright Act of 1790 is enacted, making it the first copyright law. The Act granted American citizens the exclusive right to print and publish books, maps, and charts for an initial 14-year term, with the option to renew for an additional 14 years.
Congress passed the first Enforcement Act outlining the rights of Blacks. The Act outlawed voter suppression, provided criminal penalties for using force, bribery, or violence to prevent African Americans from exercising their civil rights
Gilmore's Garden in New York City is renamed Madison Square Garden after President Madison.
The League of American Wheelmen forms, becoming the first bicycle association in the U.S. The League championed cyclists' rights and pushed for paved roads.
John Harvey Kellogg excluded his brother Will Kellogg when he filed an application for the patent for "flaked cereal, and process of making same."
Whitcomb Judson patents a hookless fastener, which later becomes known as the zipper.
The first taxis service begins in NY City with 12 electric hansom cabs operated by the Electric Carriage and Wagon Company.
The National Negro Committee meets for the first time. The Committee later becomes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The remains of Jefferson Davis are moved from New Orleans to Richmond, VA, at the request of his widow to give Davis a permanent resting place.
The first set of quadruplets graduate from Baylor University. Leota, Mary, Mona, and Roberta were national celebrities and enrolled at Baylor on full scholarships in 1933.
The Supreme Court orders district courts and school districts to enforce educational desegregation "at all deliberate speed." However, this ambiguous phrase allowed many local school boards to delay integration for over a decade.
Dick Dale invents "surf music" by combining heavy reverb, Middle Eastern scales, and rapid staccato picking. The sound mirrored the thrill of riding ocean waves.
In accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1968) passed by Congress, observation of Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May.
People born on May 31
Rapper and founder of the Run DMC. Considered one pioneers of hip hop music.
Computer scientist often called the "Father of Amiga" who created graphics and audio chips for Atari.
The youngest West Point graduate to become a Major General (at the time).
Founder of the first public kindergarten Wilmington, Delaware; founder of the West End Neighborhood House, who provided social services to Irish and German immigrants; and founder of the of Christmas Seals.
Poet who wrote O Captain! My Captain!
Multi-award winning actor in films such as the Dirty Harry films, The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), Million Dollar Baby (2004), to name a few.
Co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Musician and founder of the 1960s musical group Peter, Paul and Mary.
Considered one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.
Successful model and actress who has openly advocated about the sexualization of young women in the entertainment industry.
