On This Day in History
Discover key historical events within the Genesis range (1950–2049) that occurred on this calendar day, and claim their commemorative registry plaques.
May 8
9 historical milestones registered between 1950 and 2049
The Tollund Man, a naturally mummified corpse, was discovered in a peat bog near Silkeborg, Denmark.
Wikipedia: Tollund ManSouth Vietnamese president Ngô Đình Diệm began a state visit to the United States, his regime's main sponsor.
Wikipedia: South VietnamIn Huế, South Vietnam, soldiers opened fire into a crowd of Buddhists protesting against a government ban on the flying of the Buddhist flag on Phật Đản, killing nine and sparking the Buddhist crisis.
Wikipedia: HuếConstruction workers attacked students and others who were protesting the Vietnam War in New York City.
Wikipedia: Hard Hat RiotFour members of Black September hijacked Sabena Flight 571 to demand the release of 315 Palestinians convicted on terrorism charges.
Wikipedia: Black September OrganizationGreat American Revolution opened at Six Flags Magic Mountain, California.
Wikipedia: The Great American RevolutionThe Soviet Union announced the boycott of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, citing security concerns.
Wikipedia: 1984 Summer Olympics boycottA British Special Air Service unit ambushed a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) unit in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, killing eight IRA members and one civilian.
Wikipedia: Special Air ServiceCardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV (pictured), making him the first pope born in the United States, the first to hold either U.S. or Peruvian citizenship, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and the second from the Americas after his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis.
Wikipedia: 2025 conclave