HISTORICAL CHRONOLOGY

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.

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Historical chronology for May 8

May 8

9 historical milestones registered between 1950 and 2049

May 8, 1950 AVAILABLE

The Tollund Man, a naturally mummified corpse, was discovered in a peat bog near Silkeborg, Denmark.

Wikipedia: Tollund Man
Tollund Man
May 8, 1957 AVAILABLE

South Vietnamese president Ngô Đình Diệm began a state visit to the United States, his regime's main sponsor.

Wikipedia: South Vietnam
South Vietnam
May 8, 1963 AVAILABLE

In 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: Huế
Huế
May 8, 1970 AVAILABLE

Construction workers attacked students and others who were protesting the Vietnam War in New York City.

Wikipedia: Hard Hat Riot
Hard Hat Riot
May 8, 1972 AVAILABLE

Four members of Black September hijacked Sabena Flight 571 to demand the release of 315 Palestinians convicted on terrorism charges.

Wikipedia: Black September Organization
May 8, 1976 AVAILABLE

Great American Revolution opened at Six Flags Magic Mountain, California.

Wikipedia: The Great American Revolution
The Great American Revolution
May 8, 1984 AVAILABLE

The Soviet Union announced the boycott of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, citing security concerns.

Wikipedia: 1984 Summer Olympics boycott
1984 Summer Olympics boycott
May 8, 1987 AVAILABLE

A 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 Service
Special Air Service
May 8, 2025 AVAILABLE

Cardinal 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
2025 conclave