May 19

On May 19, 1883, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody launched his signature Wild West show in Omaha, Nebraska. This theatrical spectacle brought the mythology of the American frontier to life. It featured sharpshooter Annie Oakley, staged buffalo hunts, and recreations of pioneer camp life. Native American performers under Buffalo Bill's direction portrayed tribal dances and ceremonies. The production toured across the United States before heading to Europe. The success of this lively pageant made Cody an international celebrity. Buffalo Bill's Wild West influenced popular culture and solidified the legend of the Old West.

On May 19, 1962, a star-studded gala at New York's Madison Square Garden famously featured Marilyn Monroe serenading President John F. Kennedy with a sultry rendition of 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President.' The event was a fundraiser for the Democratic Party and attracted Hollywood luminaries, politicians, and socialites. Monroe's breathy delivery and sparkling gown captured the world's attention, creating one of the most enduring images of 1960s pop culture. Photographs and newsreels of the performance circulated widely, cementing Monroe's status as an icon and fueling speculation about her relationship with the president. The moment remains a defining highlight of Monroe's career and symbolizes the glamour and intrigue of the Kennedy era.