May 07

Ottaviano Petrucci was born around 1466 in Fossombrone and later established a printing workshop in Venice. He perfected the triple-impression technique, allowing for high-quality music notation and text alignment. In 1501, he published the groundbreaking Harmonicorum Musicæ Odhecaton A, the first collection of polyphonic music printed with movable type. His work made music more accessible to composers and performers across Europe, laying the foundations for modern music publishing. Petrucci’s innovations influenced generations of printers before his death on May 7, 1539.

Born Herman Webster Mudgett in 1861 in New Hampshire, H. H. Holmes is infamously known for his elaborate "Murder Castle" in Chicago. Operating during the 1893 World's Fair, he lured victims to his building equipped with trapdoors and hidden rooms. Holmes confessed to multiple murders and was convicted of killing his business partner in 1894. His case became one of the most sensational crimes of the era, inspiring extensive media coverage and folklore. Sentenced to death, Holmes was hanged in 1896, leaving the exact number of his victims a topic of debate. His story has fueled true-crime literature and remains a chilling chapter in American criminal history.

Ernst A. Lehmann was born in 1886 and became one of the most famous airship commanders of his time. He captained the Graf Zeppelin on numerous record-breaking flights, promoting intercontinental air travel. Lehmann also authored books and articles on airship navigation and safety, sharing his expertise with the public. He tragically died in the 1937 Hindenburg disaster, solidifying his legacy in early aviation history. His writings and pioneering achievements continue to fascinate aviation enthusiasts.

Paul Popham (1941–1987) served as an officer in the U.S. Army’s signal corps before leaving military service in response to personal convictions. Moved by the emerging AIDS crisis and lack of support for gay men, he co-founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City in 1982. As the organization’s first president, Popham spearheaded efforts in community outreach, legal advocacy, and fundraising. He worked closely with medical professionals to promote research and compassionate care for those affected. Popham also testified before government bodies to secure aid and raise public awareness. His leadership and empathy helped establish one of the first and most influential HIV/AIDS service organizations in America.

Waldemar Milewicz was born in 1956 in Torun, Poland. He worked as a foreign correspondent for Polish television for over two decades. Milewicz reported from hotspots including the Balkans, Middle East, and Africa. He earned acclaim for in-depth coverage and on-the-ground perspective. Known for his dedication to journalistic integrity and bravery. He was killed while reporting in Iraq in 2004. Milewicz is remembered as a pioneer in Polish war correspondence.

Richard Carleton (1943–2006) was a prominent Australian journalist and television reporter. He became widely recognized as a reporter on the Nine Network's '60 Minutes' program. Carleton conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders and celebrities, showcasing his incisive questioning style. His career spanned over four decades, during which he won awards for investigative reporting. Colleagues praised him for his dedication to uncovering the truth. He remained active in journalism until his sudden death from a heart attack on May 7, 2006.

Sammy Barr was a Scottish trade union leader who dedicated his life to improving conditions for industrial workers. He served in various union positions and played a key role in major labor disputes in Scotland. His efforts helped secure fair wages and enhanced safety standards for his members. Barr was respected for his grassroots activism and commitment to social justice. He inspired a generation of union activists through his leadership and solidarity work. Sammy Barr passed away on May 7, 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the British labor movement.

Dennis Edward Fitch was an American airline captain renowned for his role in the emergency landing of United Airlines Flight 232 after a catastrophic engine failure. On July 19, 1989, Fitch and his crew managed to crash-land the DC-10 in Sioux City, Iowa, saving many lives despite severely compromised hydraulics. His calm demeanor and expert airmanship were praised by colleagues and investigators. Fitch flew for United Airlines for over three decades, earning a reputation as a dedicated and skilled pilot. He shared his experiences at aviation safety seminars and contributed to improvements in emergency procedures. Dennis E. Fitch passed away on May 7, 2012, remembered for his heroic actions and commitment to aviation safety.